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Carmel Road 2012 Monterey Pinot Noir
Winery: Carmel Road
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 15-20

Review:
Aromas of nectarine, pear, and apricot mingle with hints of minerals and white blossoms on the nose. On the palate, flavors of apricot, peach, and mango emerge, along with accents of minerals. A crisp wine that still offers supple flavors, fans of out of the ordinary white blends should try this bottle. 302 cases produced.
Rating: 89

Noble Vines "667" 2012 Pinot Noir
Winery: Noble Vines
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 10-15

Review:
Aromas of cherry, bramble fruit, and plum meld with hints of earth and cola on the nose. A sip delivers flavors cherries and plums that unfold into suggestions of spice, cola, and dark chocolate. A laid back Pinot with a mellow acidity, fans of easy-going reds will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 87

Dawn's Dream 2011 Pinot Noir
Winery: Dawn's Dream
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 25-30

Review:
Aromatics of plums and raspberries mingle with accents of earth, fennel, and all-spice on the nose. Plum and pomegranate flavors unfold into suggestions of floral earth, white pepper, and sweet spice on the palate. Light and bright, with a friendly acidity, try a bottle with grilled salmon. 650 cases were made.
Rating: 87

Ventana 2012 Pinot Noir
Winery: Ventana
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 30-35

Review:
Strawberries, cherries, and pomegranates coalesce with traces of vanilla and dusty earth on the nose. On the palate, flavors of strawberry, black cherry, and pomegranate blend with notes of smokey oak, minerals, and vanilla. Smooth and supple, it's a good match for a mushroom quiche. 8,500 cases produced.
Rating: 88

Galante Vineyards 2011 "Rancho Galante" Red
Winery: Galante Vineyards
Grape(s): 51% Cabernet, 19% Malbec, 19% Petite Sirah, and11% Merlot
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 25-30

Review:
Fragrances of black cherry, tart blueberry, and raspberry come together with notes of floral earth and toasty oak on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of cherries, plums, and raspberries that unfurl into nuances of all spice, coffee, and oak. A bright, dry red, it will wake up the inner cowboy (or cowgirl) in you.
Rating: 88