Maybe yes, I got a bit too wrapped up in World Cup. Maybe I'll explain my absence on mourning the US team's less than stellar finish. Maybe I should have just gotten over it and kept up with the blogging.
It's Labor Day weekend and that means that summer's end is right around the corner. Too few are the remaining days of porch pounders. My favorite time of year, however, is fast approaching. I simply love the transition of summer into fall, and it also happens to be the perfect time of year for Pinot Noir. Whenever anyone asks me for a suggestion on a Pinot, I always reach for Muirwood Pinot Noir.
I always say that it's very hard to find a good, well priced Pinot Noir. Muirwood retails for around $15.00 and is best described as a diamond in the rough. Many Pinots at this pricepoint take several costcutting (and therefor quality-cutting) measures to ensure they remain compatitive; such as blending in up to 25% Syrah or sourcing inexpensive and low-grade fruit.
Muirwood Pinot Noir uses 100% Pinot Noir in the bottle, no blending of other varietals to keep costs down. Also, all of the fruit is estate-grown. They don't source their fruit, meaning they have more quality control from start to finish. Finally, the Muirwood estate is located in Arroyo Seco, which produces some top-notch bargain Pinot Noir. Arroyo Seco is located in Monterey County, southeast of Monterey Bay. With it being so close to the Pacific Ocean, the region is considered a cool climate, perfectly suited for the Pinot Noir grape.
Most importantly, this wine has passed the Mother In Law test. This rigorous trial consists of my Mother In Law tasting and approving or disapproving of the wine. Flying colors. It basically sealed my fate as her go-to wine guy.
