I’m very picky about my Pinot Noir and have a hard time finding ones I enjoy that are under $30. So for a great tasting bottle under $20 it’s hard to beat Carmel Road’s 2006 Monterey Pinot Noir.
The wine is 100% Pinot Noir from vineyards in Monterey County, California. It’s aged for 7 and a half months in 21% new French oak barrels.
The nose reveals flavors of red cherry and cola with a hint of rose petal. The taste is an elegant mix of red currant and cherry with toast and warm spice on the finish. The medium intensity wine has a smooth mouthfeel and good acidity. The wine is a little tight at the beginning so give it time to open up or use a decanter.
This is a very versatile wine and can be served with a wide variety of fish, poultry and beef dishes.
The 2006 Carmel Road Monterey Pinot Noir costs around $16.