In my most recent, very generous allocation of Panther Creek Cellars wines, I received samples of each single-vineyard bottling of the winery’s estate Pinot Noirs. How does one choose which vineyard to taste from next? I simply went with the name. Let’s face it, we’re all quarantined/shut-in-place and *probably* feeling a tad bit more lazy than usual. Or is that just me?

About the Wine: Panther Creek Cellars 2017 Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir

14.2% ABV

Flavor Profile:

Appearance: Pale ruby

Aroma: Initial aromas are medium (+) intensity and youthful in nature. Aromas include: cranberry, raspberry, pomegranate, cedar wood, and hints of chocolate, eucalyptus, and baking spices

Palate: The palate is dry with medium (+) acidity, medium level of tannins, high alcohol, medium body and a medium (+) flavor intensity that mimics the aromas but adds a hint of toast, anise or fennel, wild strawberries and specifies those baking spices as nutmeg and vanilla.

The finish is a medium (+) length

Conclusion: Based on the WSET criteria, I conclude that this wine is very good to outstanding. I’m teetering on those two conclusions because for me the length stopped at a medium (+) [NOTE: A beautiful medium (+)], but my partner in wine crime made a convincing argument for a long finish. And, I have no qualms with giving it a bit of an edge on the conclusion, as I do think that this wine drinks lovely now, but does have all the right components to age as well.

Food Pairing: I paired the Panther Creek Cellars 2017 Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir with…pizza! Actually, a homemade pizza. So, I guess I’m not *that* lazy.

More Info: I received the Panther Creek Cellars 2017 Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir as a sample for review (Cheers!). Retail: $45. For more information about Panther Creek Cellars, their wines, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Panther Creek Cellars website.


BriscoeBites officially accepts samples as well as conducts on-site and online interviews. Want to have your wine, winery or tasting room featured? Please visit the Sample Policy page where you can contact me directly. Cheers!

**Please note: all reviews and opinions are my own and are not associated with any of my places of business. I will always state when a wine has been sent as a sample for review. Sending samples for review on my personal website in no way guarantees coverage in any other media outlet I may be currently associated with.**

Leave a Reply