2015 Le Champignon Monterey County
Pinot Noir Review
Price: $20/bottle (Lot18.com)
Alcohol: 12.9%
Body: Medium
Sweetness: Dry
Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Pop and pour
This wine possesses an extremely light
ruby color with strawberry hued edges. The wine hugs the glass with a
medium glass coat and bold, defined, quick moving legs. On the nose,
it can come off as a little smelly, crossing over into the “barnyard”
characteristics, but does show some nice earth qualities with
noticeable soil and fungal notes. The front-palate is immensely
complex; moss, fungus, and soil all interact remarkably with
beautiful tart cherry and raspberry. I liken this to a rich and
biodiverse ecosystem, all members cohabiting to create a wonderful
symphony of life. On the mid-palate the fruit is accentuated nicely,
raspberry notes pinpointing on the taste buds. Solid acidity provides
decent structure while slight strawberry and under ripe cherries
tease the more curious wine drinker. The finish provides an exciting
transition from the brighter red fruit to a more nuanced red currant
and mint like quality. The bright acidity carries through to the end
but is slightly overtaken by the minute bitterness provided by the
tannins. Admittedly, I may have judged Monterey County Pinots based
on some less than stellar previous experiences, but the 2015 Le
Champignon is fighting valiantly to change those prejudices.
Rating: **** (4 Stars)
T/B/P: BUY
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