Wine of the Week: Saintsbury 2007 Garnet Pinot Noir

Located in Napa Valley, Staintbury is a lovely vineyard that is a true hidden treasure. While this winery is not open to the public, they will however take appointments for private tours and tastings. This is due to some permit problems with the city.

Saintsbury produces the finest Pinot Noir out of Napa Valley. The textures, tastes, and smell characteristics of this wine is very similar to French Burgundy. Many wine connoisseurs will argue and say, “But, it is still NOT Burgundy”. No, it’s not Burgandy, but its sure tastes good, nor does it have the Burgundy price tag. For a bottle of Carneros Pinot Noir and Carneros Garnet Pinot Noir are one third of the cost of a third tier Burgundy wine. For a second tier Burgundy would cost five times as much. Whoa!

While only 11,000 cases of the Garnet Pinot Noir was bottled in 2007, it can be found at BevMo and some local grocery stores, at least until the stocks are exhausted, then its gone forever. If you still can’t find this wine, order it directly from Saintbury.

For it’s taste, it still possess that distinguishable peppery Pinot flavor with juicy ripened wild berries, cherry, French oak, tea, and smoke. This is a soft tannin wine with a perfect balance of acidity. These qualities are what make this wine a perfect match with almost any meal or with a plate of cheese and crackers. The price range for this vintage is anywhere between $18 to $24 for a 750 ml bottle.