This is the last in my line-up of single-vineyard Pinot Noir tastings from Panther Creek. (Although I do have a bonus post coming up…). They were all beautiful in their own right, offering a surprising amount of diversity in each bottle. From the infant-youthful Maverick, to the regal De Ponte, and the easy drinking Lazy River.
So how did this Carter Vineyard stack up? I loved this wine—it filled me up body and soul. Well balanced in flavor and texture, and the perfect pairing to our salmon salad. I know I shouldn’t pick favorites, but I think this Pinot Noir (in the line of Panther Creek single-vineyards) comes second only the the Kalita Vineyard. Read on…
About the Wine: Panther Creek Cellars 2017 Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir
100 cases produced
14.1% ABV
Flavor Profile:
Appearance: pale ruby
Aroma: Pronounced, youthful aromas of chocolate, ripe strawberries, ripe red plum, oak wood, vanilla, nutmeg, eucalyptus, tarragon, ripe black cherries, and just the faintest hint of wet leaves and mushroom.
Palate: The palate is dry with a high level of acid, high alcohol, medium body, medium level of tannins, and a pronounced flavor intensity. With that solid dose of acidity, the freshness and longevity of those fruit notes on the palate intensify; the tannins highlight both the herbaceous and the earthy notes; and while one can get a back breath of those oak aromas, the wine itself is not overtly oaky. It is a very well-balanced wine that leads to a medium (+) finishing length.
Conclusion: Because of that intensity in both the aromas and the palate and the undeniable balance between all components in the wine, based on the WSET criteria, I determined that this wine is very good. The fact that I was able to discern even the remotest bit of tertiary components amongst the vivacity of those primary aromas and flavors leads me to believe that this Pinot Noir has complexity as well as the ability to age in bottle. The finish fell just short of long for me (though I could see others make the argument for a long finish), and thus couldn’t give it an ‘outstanding’ mark.
But at the end of the day, I have to say, the scoring regime that really counts? That happy face at the end of my notes. 🙂
More Info: I received the Panther Creek Cellars 2017 Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir as a sample. (Cheers!) Price: $65. For more information about Panther Creek Cellars, their wine, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Panther Creek Cellars website.
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