Jargon Pn Bottle 004
The Jargon Pinot Noir 2012 is 76% Pinot Noir, 18% Syrah and 6% Petite Sirah, the Syrah is sourced from the Monterey AVA, the Pinot and the Petite Sirah are sourced from more than one California grape growing AVA. Jargon is one of Trinchero Family Estates (founded in 1974) line of wines, other brands include Joel Gott, Charles and Charles, Sutter Home and Bandit (they have over 40 brands). With 24% Syrah and Petite Sirah in the mix, the Jargon figures to be a fruit-forward, California style Pinot. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is ripe cherry red, with black highlights, The nose is cherry, herbs, mushroom and a hint of smoke, a far more traditional Pinot Noir nose than I expected for a wine with all the Syrah and Petite Sirah. This is a silky, smooth wine with a little bit of complexity on the mid-palate. It tastes of tart cherry, Dr. Pepper and a little chocolate. The mid-palate brings pomegranate, pepper along with a bit of spice. The tannins are smooth, but give a slight tug to let you know they are there. The finish is tart fruit and lingers awhile.
If you are looking for an inexpensive traditional Pinot Noir, the Jargon Pinot ain’t it. But if you are looking for an inexpensive medium bodied, fruit forward, smooth red wine, with some cool Pinot Noir funkiness, then the Jargon Pinot fits the bill. The Jargon is full flavored and easy to drink and if Burgundian Pinot lovers may turn up their nose, who cares. For the money it is a tasty everyday wine, that would pair well with pork chops or Turkey with dressing.
