The 2010 Mirassou Pinot Noir is sourced from grapes grown in several California grape growing AVA’s, with some of the grapes coming from Sonoma and Monterey. The Mirassou family have been growing grapes and producing wine since 1854, they are the first to introduce Pinot Noir grapes to California and were among the first to plant vineyards in California’s Central Coast. The Mirassou California Pinot Noir is the top selling Pinot in the United States. Mirassou Winery is currently owned by E & J Gallo. With the family connections and Gallo’s clout, Mirassou should have access to a steady stream of pretty decent Pinot Noir grapes. This is a young Pinot, they suggest that you drink it within a year of release, the 2011 is the current release, but it won’t be much good after 3 years in the bottle. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is crimson red with blue/black highlights. The nose is plums, new leather jacket, Nestles Quik powder and fresh cherry. It starts with cherry cordial, strong and vivid, then some softer more rounded plum, followed by tart cranberry. The mid palate adds a little creamy blueberry and tart strawberry. The tannins are very soft, but there is a good dose of acidity, any decent Pinot Noir needs good balanced acidity to give the wine length. The finish starts off strong, fades quickly, but never really goes away.
The 2010 Mirassou Pinot Noir (it lists for $11.99, but is often on sale, I found it for $7.99) does young Pinot well, fresh, flavorful and well made. It has none of the dizzying stew of flavors and textures the best Pinots have, but as a young Pinot Noir it is not supposed to. A young wine is supposed to be bright, juicy and enticing, the Mirassou Pinot Noir is just that.
