The 2009 Pennywise California Pinot Noir is 94% Pinot Noir and 6% Syrah of which 60% is sourced from a single vineyard in the Clarksburg AVA, 30% from the River Junction AVA (a very cool section of the Central Valley) and 10% from the Monterey AVA. Pennywise is one of Don Sebastiani & Sons labels, they do not own their own vineyards, but they have long term contracts with various independent grape growers. 90 pts Wine Enthusiasts and the alcohol content is 14%.
The color is see-thru strawberry gummi bear red. The nose is cherry, crumpled autumn leaves, cinnamon stick and a touch of grilled meat. The medium to light bodied, the first impression is red berries and spice. It tastes of cherries and strawberry, faint licorice and curry spice, the mid-palate is blackberry with a little oak spice. The tannins don’t intrude and the acidity is well balanced. The finish does last for a very long time for a 10 buck Pinot.
The Pennywise California Pinot Noir is an extremely drinkable, food friendly wine. Interesting flavor, a touch of complexity, well-made with solid structure, this is a Pinot Noir that would work with Thanksgiving turkey dinner.
