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Definitive Carneros 2002 Pinot Noir Country: USA Region: California: Napa Valley Price Paid: $7 (closeout) Date Tasted: July 14, 2007 NOTE: My local wine merchant wanted to get rid of this so I got the bottle for $7, but it was priced in his store at $17.95 from three years ago (would likely be about $22-$25 today). Was it worth $7? hmmmmm ... ON THE NOSE: One gets a direct hit of HI-C juice, fresh pine pitch, clean laundry, raspberry, band-aids; this is a refined nose, rather typical Pinot Noir but a bit sweeter and somewhat lacking that good earthy profile. One can tell this is quality stuff, and we’re sitting her with raised eyebrows considering that we paid a mere $7 for this bottle. As it oxidizes longer this Pinot Noir adds sweet cream and orange zest. Vegetal aspects begin to evolve here too, green pepper and broccoli, and are a nice addition to the mix. ON THE PALATE: Blackberry comes through, though wasn’t noticeable on the nose; a very sweet Pinot, sweeter than any I’ve had, much like juice but with alcohol. This wine is rather hot at first, but mellows somewhat with time. Also present here is some dirt, not soil, but dirt. Very nice acidity, not obnoxious, but very present and very, well, appropriate for a Pinot Noir. Green vegetables come through on the palate, and mixed with the dirt are a welcomed feature. A clean finish with fruit and mineral notes, lasting as long as 30 seconds before begging for another go-round. All in all an enjoyable PN without any fuss, not all that complex, ultimately, and though it did offer soil it also lacked a certain earthiness that we have come to appreciate in a good PN, as well as being sweeter than it really should be, in our opinion. Well worth the $7 we paid for it, though, so I'll ask next time I'm in town if I can get the last two bottles at that price! We're happy! (Click here for an explanation of our ratings ...) Our Rating: 87 Would we drink it again? Yes, this makes a decent mid-week quaffer! Would we buy it again? Well, it depends if we can still get it for the closeout price of $7, then yes, otherwise it is not something we would seek out! About the Napa Valley Region The Napa Valley wine region is located 50 miles north of San Francisco California, and is known around the world as the premium wine-growing region in North America. More than 250 wineries call Napa Valley home, making this the most densely concentrated wine region in the world. Its Mediterranean climate and the skill of its winemakers contribute to its popularity as a tourist destination and to the world-wide success of its wines. Climate and Geography The Napa Valley stretches around 50 km from north to south, and 8 km from east to west at its widest point. To the west the valley is bounded by forest, and to the east by the dry and rugged Vaca range. The climate is primarily Mediterranean, with warm dry summers and wet cool winters. Rain is rare during the growing season, with most occurring between October and May. The fog which characterises the region keeps the vines cool and maintains the natural acidity in the fruit. A history of volcanic eruptions and earth movements means that soils are diverse. Types of Wine and Grapes This region is renowned for the extraordinary diversity of appellations and wine styles. From intensely concentrated and flavoursome cabernet sauvignons, ripe and fruity pinot noirs and the ever popular spicy zinfandels to rich creamy chardonnays and even sauternes style botrytis affected dessert wines.