Taking It Easy

I've been MIA for about 2 weeks due to my recent trip to China. It was a urgent family trip so I didn't get to venture out and taste wines in China - although I would very much like to do so. I've also been under the weather, so to speak, so tasting wines were not at the top of my priority list as you can imagine. Anyways, tonight though, I thought, "hey, why not ease into things with a nice California central coast Pinot Noir . . . " So here I am, with my 2006 Montoya Pinot Noir, Montery!

2006 Montoya Pinot Noir Proprietary Owned, Monterey
Popped and poured. Color of dark garnet and ruby red on the rims. Nose explodes immediately before I even bring it close to my nose. Full of ripe cherries, strawberries and fresh celery. I know it may seem a little odd, but yes, a smell of fresh, crisp, celery and lettuce! Have you ever brushed your hands over the dew on a fresh turf of grass when you were a kid? And then brought it up to your nose to smell it? That’s exactly how this wine smells like. Very fresh indeed! I also get very little cedar and hints of vanilla. On the palate, this wine is quite smooth. Full of cherries and floral notes, this medium bodied wine is very Napa Valley – fruit forward and ripe! Although the finish remains smooth, the Montoya Pinot Noir lacks structure and complexity. After two hours in the glass, I was hoping for more smokiness, cedar, and earthy tones. Sadly, they never came. Great nose, decent palate and good finish; however, I will say that I prefer the Montoya Cabernet over the Pinot. 87 pts