Black Mountain VIneyards 2009 Pinot Noir
I hate to do this. I truly do. I have to take this bottle back. It's turned. My guess is from bacteria in the cork. Whatever the reason, the wine smells and tastes like vinegar.
Unfortunately, I am now unlikely to buy another bottle of Black Mountain. It's a sad but true phenomenon (and one that has happened more with Pinot Noir that any other grape): I won't be able to get that original taste off my palate.
I know Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to grow properly - it's needs cool evening temps but enough warmth during the day to ripen into big, juicy fruit. Because Pinot can be very finicky, I've had some incredibly wonderful bottles. When Pinot's on, it's an incredible sip. The nose is full, ripe and the tannins are so softly rounded, it's like drinking silk. Black Mountain's did not hit that sweet spot. It didn't even come close. That's why, Pinot Noir, you are being shuffled back down on the list.
Montepulciano, you and Viognier and next. Please be kind. I need something great after this last experience.
Unfortunately, I am now unlikely to buy another bottle of Black Mountain. It's a sad but true phenomenon (and one that has happened more with Pinot Noir that any other grape): I won't be able to get that original taste off my palate.
I know Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to grow properly - it's needs cool evening temps but enough warmth during the day to ripen into big, juicy fruit. Because Pinot can be very finicky, I've had some incredibly wonderful bottles. When Pinot's on, it's an incredible sip. The nose is full, ripe and the tannins are so softly rounded, it's like drinking silk. Black Mountain's did not hit that sweet spot. It didn't even come close. That's why, Pinot Noir, you are being shuffled back down on the list.
Montepulciano, you and Viognier and next. Please be kind. I need something great after this last experience.
Posted by Anna at 2/12/2010 9:12 AM 
Categories: Wine
Tags: red table wine budget wine pinot Haro Hills wines pinot noir
Categories: Wine
Tags: red table wine budget wine pinot Haro Hills wines pinot noir
I just finished a bottle of Black Mountain Vineyard 2009 Pinot Noir, California, Haro Hills. I cannot agree with your blog comments. (Although I realize that every bottle can be different). I really enjoyed this Pinot Noir.
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Thanks so much for the comment, Maryanne. I greatly appreciate your point of view! Another friend recently purchased a bottle of this wine - the wine had already turned, which makes me think the company has a problem with their corks. The wine may be wonderful, but I will not bother buying it again. Enjoy your next bottle!
Anna
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Re: Black Mountain Vineyard 2009 Pinot Noir, Haro Hills.
I was recently given this same bottle by a good friend and enjoyed it immensely! The lingering tannins and fruity notes of cherry and strawberry really set it off! Hints of smoke can be found as-well. I would purchase this frugally priced Pinot Noir again.
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