The Angeline Vineyards Pinot Noir 2015 is sourced from multiple AVA’s in California, but mainly from the Central Coast and the Northern Coast. The Angeline line of wines is the everyday value brand for family owned (since 1990) Martin Ray Wines and Courtney Benham Wines (he is the owner). The 2015 vintage showed the effects of the drought conditions in California. The crop was smaller than previous years, but since good grapes need to struggle to reach their full potential, the quality of the grapes was very good. Angeline bought grapes, not juice that had been extracted closer to the individual vineyards, so they were in charge of the complete winemaking process. This Pinot Noir was aged in French oak barrels, 35% of the barrels were new, the rest of the barrels had been used before. New French oak barrels can cost over $1,000 each and it is a luxury to see them used in value-priced Pinot. The alcohol content is 13.8%.
The color is garnet red with black cherry highlights. The nose is bright and lively, fresh picked cherries, strawberry, a little vanilla, cinnamon, plum, and light floral background. This is a fruit-forward Pinot Noir, but well-balanced and sleek, with good length. It starts with ripe, fresh cherries, tea, a little Dr. Pepper (but not the sweetness), and raspberry. The mid-palate brings a touch of oak spice and vanilla cream, with a late hit of savory mushroom. The tannins are smooth and the acidity allows the flavors to unfold. The finish is subtle but lasts and lasts.
The Angeline Vineyards Pinot Noir 2015 is an extremely solid, fruit-forward, adult Pinot Noir. It tastes great and has just enough of that funky cool Pinot Noir edge to keep a Pinot lover very happy. Plus you should be able to find it for around ten bucks. There was a time when it was a good idea to stay away from $10 Pinot Noir, it was ok for a light bodied Red wine but it bore little resemblance to a quality Pinot. All that has changed, Pinot Noir is now one of my go-to cheap Red wines. The Angeline Vineyards Pinot Noir 2015 delivers satisfying flavor and excellent value.
