Pinot Noir a Light Refreshing Elegant Red Wine

Castle Rock 2008 Pinot Noir is from the vineyards in Mendocino County in California.  This a affordable elegant wine that cost fifteen dollars.  I think this is a wonderful way to start Spring off.

Castle Rock Winery is was established in 1994.  It is one of the fastest growing winery in its industry with a reputation for producing high quality of wines at affordable prices.  I have enjoyed reading Castle Rocks website.  There are some very interesting points on their site.  Here is a quote

Wine drunk by itself tastes different from wine served with food, because wine acts on on food in a similar way to spice. The acids, tannins and sugars in the wine interact with the food to provide different taste sensations. Wine can enhance the flavor of food. A good match will bring out the nuances and enhance the unique characteristics of both. 

There are many more interesting facts that you should check out on their website in regards to food and wine, Castle Rock on Food.


Castle Rock uses Pinot Noir grapes from Mendocino County.  The first Pinot Noir grapes were grown in the Burgundy region of France.  In California the head waters of the Russian river that create a fertile a rugged landscape for the vineyards in Mendocino County.  The first vineyards in Mendocino were planted in 1860s.  The crisp falls, wet winters, warm summers and cool springs make the perfect condition for growing the Pinot Noir grapes.  This is similar weather to the growing condition in the Burgundy region of France.

Lets take a look at the wines label.

• First we see the Castle Rock emblem and when the winery was established, 1994.
• Next we see the name of the winery, Castle Rock.
• Year the wine was produced, 2008.
• Type of wine, Pinot Noir.
• Region the grapes were grown in, Mendocino County.
• Next it tells use that the wine is a product of California
• Then we see that it was cellared and bottled by castle rock winery in the city of Sonoma California.

The smell is a very subtle of sweet strawberries and raspberries.  I do fine a very subtle taste of cinnamon when trying alone but when trying with the steak it brings out the cinnamon more.  I really enjoy the light refreshing taste of the strawberries and raspberries. This is a wonderful and elegant light red wine.

I paired this with shepherds pie made with lamb.  I really can not say if this was paired right.  I could not eat the shepherds pie.  The ground lamb was to over powering for my taste buds.  It reminded me of deer meat.  I know lamb is not a game meat but this is how my palette can describe it.  I love leg of lamb but not ground lamb.  Now I have decided to try this with a steak with spinach, mushrooms, and provolone cheese.  I real enjoyed it with the steak.  The Pinot Nior really brought out the flavors of the spinach and mushrooms.  I think this wine would also be good to serve with a cheese appetizer. 

Colette and John Bancraft choose Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2008 for Wine of the Week for in Saint Petersberg Times March 10, 2010.  Colette Bancraft is the Times' book editor. John Bancraft is a freelance writer specializing in wine, food and travel.  This is their review for the Saint Petersburg times.

    The 2008 Castle Rock Mendocino County Pinot Nior (about $15 at supermarkets and elsewhere) is something of an anomaly. For a wine that offers such a delights of the palate, it offers very little to the nose.  The winemaker suggests subtle aromas of violets and rose but we would swear to that. 
    We will, however, sign on enthusiastically to his description of this California pinot as one showing "complex flavors and long silky textures."  Up front we tasted red currant, blackberry, strawberry and raspberry with just a touch of cinnamon.  These lovely layers lingered on the tongue before giving way to a medium-long smooth finish spiked by subtle notes of anise and coffee.
    This pinot is worth drinking on its own but if pairing it with food we would lean toward assertive but homey fare like spice rubbed pork loin or fat burgers dressed in blue cheese.

I disagree with their smell.  The first time I swirled and smelled the wine I got a wonderful delightful smell of strawberries and raspberries.  To me this has been one of the best smelling wines I have tried.   I think they could have chilled their bottle to long causing the smell to be to subtle or non at all.  Chilling your wine at the right temperature is important.  Here you can find a serving and storage chart for each type of wine.  I do own a wine cooler that has a side for red wines and a side for white wines.  It really helps out getting the wines at the correct serving temperature.  It will truly make a difference in the smell and taste of the wine.  I do find a very subtle taste of cinnamon alone and more with the steak.  I really enjoy and agree with light refreshing taste of the strawberries and raspberries.  I do not agree with the "lingered on the tongue before giving way to a medium-long smooth finish spiked by subtle notes of anise and coffee."  I feel that it gives away to the strawberries after the cinnamon pass.