August 4, 2009

Tasting Note Tuesday - 2006 Cambria Pinot Noir 'Julia's Vineyard' (Aug. 4, 2009)

Continuing my taste through some 'inexpensive' pinots, I picked up this 2006 on the recommendation of a wine salesman.

Cambria has been making wines in Santa Barbara County for over 20 years. Their portfolio includes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Their estate is divided into individual vineyards, and this wine comes from Julia's Vineyard... named for the owner's youngest daughter.

The vineyard is planted with a specific clone of pinot called the Pommard Clone, which comes from the Pommard Village in France's Burgundy region. The clone is noted as having more finesse, less power... more feminine, less in your face.

2006 Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley

Popped, poured, and served with grilled salmon, zucchini and summer squash. This is an interesting wine... I couldn't quite pinpoint the aromas, except to say red fruit on the nose. Normally I can distinguish between the various red fruits, but not in this bottle. On the palate, it reminded me of strawberry jam. With air, the wine took on toffee/butterscotch notes, and the fruit turned to sour cherry. The finish was very short.

Cost: $10/bottle
Rating: OK - for the same price, go with last week's DeLoach recommendation

0 comments: