Rockbridge 2008 Pinot Noir

Winemaker's description

Really hitting its stride at age four, this Virginia Pinot Noir is very Burgundian with moderate tannins and nice fruit aromas and flavors.  Serve slightly  chilled as a delightful summer white wine alternative.

Price:  $12.49 at Total Wine

After reviewing their Chardonnay last weekend, and now their Pinot Noir, Rockbridge Vineyard is becoming one of our favorite Virginia wineries

The nose could be described as peppery black currant, and very nice. The first sip is pleasant with just enough tannin to give this wine just enough red wine bite.

We give Rockbridge a lot credit for holding this wine until the tannins have smoothed out to an ideal level. The days of recommending customers to cellar wine for a couple years is gone.

The taste is of rich blackberry and currant, with just a touch of spiciness.

We have found another Virginia wine that can be served to out of town guests, or anyone that would shun Virginia Wine. And again we’ve found a wine with a great drinkability, that can be enjoyed alone, or with a wide variety of foods.

We’re looking forward to a nice rack of lamb and this wonderful Pinot Noir.

Our ratings:  

Flavor:    4 out of 5 stars – Very Good

The right touch of tannin with rich black currant

Drinkability/Versatility:   5 out of 5 stars –Excellent

The tannins have smoothed enough so there is no bitter aftertaste. Yet enough there to hold up to meats like lamb and pork. I would disagree with the winemaker’s description of this being a “summer” wine, this would be great at any time of the year.

Value:  4 out of 5 stars – Very Good

$12,49 for a really nice Virginia Red. .

Overall:  4.75 out of 5 stars –Very Good to Excellent

Give me some smoked cheese, some smoked salmon (not lox) and some rack of lamb, and some good friends, this wine would be the only one needed. When you want to relax with a nice medium bodied, smooth red, here it is.