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The Peaks & Tides Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 is a $12.99 Aldi exclusive. This is a reoccurring wine, this brand also includes a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon. I did a little digging and found that Plata Wine Partners produces this wine for Aldi.
Plata Partners says they are the “largest independent California coastal growers,” with 60 vineyards accounting for 18,00 acres and the produce 70+ plus wine, several can be found at Aldi and Trader Joe’s.
The Sonoma Coast AVA is one of the newer California AVAs. It was once part of the Russian River Valley AVA but became independent because of the unique climate and soil conditions. The Russian River is a river valley while the Sonoma Coast AVA is a mountain Valley. It runs along the coast from San Pablo Bay to Mendocino and is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The Peaks & Tides Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 does not have tasting or production notes, but the back label does mention French oak aging. French oak is better suited for Pinot Noir since it has a tighter grain and is far more subtle at imparting oak influence than the wider grain of American oak.
The alcohol content is 14.2% which is getting into Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot territory. Higher alcohol content can give a wine more body which is fine for big Red wines, but not desirable for nuanced wines such as Pinot Noir. Warming temperatures in most of the world’s wine regions are adding to elevated alcohol contents and winemakers have to use skill to deal with what can be a problem.
The Peaks & Tides Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 Tasting Notes
The color is a see-through garnet red. The nose is a solid Pinot Noir nose, mushroom, smoke, cherry, herbs, spice, a little vanilla, and a light floral edge. The Peaks & Tides Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 is soft and smooth on the palate, with fruit-forward balanced flavors.
This Pinot Noir tastes like ripe, slightly sour black cherry, a slap of interesting spice, herbs, black pepper, and juicy plum. The mid-palate offers orange zest, cranberry, a little tea, and a sharp exotic spice.
The tannins are soft and sweet, while the acidity allows the flavors to unfold fully.
The Summary
- The Peaks & Tides Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 is a solid everyday Pinot from an elite growing region.
- This is a well-made Pinot that is a buy at $12.99.
