I can’t say that I’ve tasted a LOT of wines from SLO. But if Talley Vineyards is any indication to the vibrancy of Pinot Noir this region produces, then I will definitely be tasting a lot more. This, here, is a review of their estate Pinot Noir, a blend of two estate vineyards. Lovely, well-rounded, and (again) vibrant. Hey, Tally, think I can get a sip of a single vineyard? 😉
About the Wine: The Talley Vineyards 2015 Estate Pinot Noir is made up of 100% Pinot Noir grapes harvested from the winery’s estate Rincon and Rosemary’s Vineyards located in the Arroyo Grande AVA of San Luis Obispo County in California. The grapes went through a 3 to 5 day cold soak before undergoing all native yeast fermentatino in 1.5 ton fermenters. The wine then aged in 100% French oak barrels, 28% new, for 18 months.
13.4% ABV
Flavor Profile: This Pinot Noir is immediately fragrant upon opening the bottle: bright red bush fruits—boysenberry, blackberry— along with a bit of muddy soil and a hint of chocolate decadence.
This wine presents a very soft, pale rouge on the pour and in the glass. Initial aromas are of even lighter bush berries: cranberries, raspberries, pomegranate (no that’s not a bush berry), and lovely floral aromas, like lightly sprayed rose petals coming to you with via a cool spring breeze. And you can already sense a light, but vibrant acidity.
Swirl: Yes, a vibrant acidity, and there’s that decadence of chocolate once again — very faint, very dark, very natural.
The palate is soft, smooth like silk, with a touch of tannins just gently kissing the tongue. Acidity is vibrant, full, vivacious cutting through the center of the tongue with a bit of warmth. Dominant flavors are of wild strawberry, pomegranate, raspberry, oak wood, gentle baking spices, a hint of vanilla and that subtle floral aroma just wafts in the background.
The finish is long, lingering, enticing with those spice notes sitting on the tongue.
Food Pairing: Salmon salad. A classic with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, dried cranberries, and goats cheese.
Paired perfectly with the natural fatty oils of salmon, the unctuous acidity of balsamic, and the chewy fruitiness of the dried cranberries in the salad.
More Info: I received the Talley Vineyards 2015 Estate Pinot Noir as a sample for review. (Cheers D’Ann!) Price: $42. For more information about Talley Vineyards, their wine, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Talley Vineyards website.
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