Clone 5 Pinot Noir 2006, Central Coast

~$18US, 100% Pinot Noir, Central Coast California

A good contrast to the Brewer-Clifton tasted the night prior. Similarly light in color – definitely not one of those opaque and dense Pinot. This young wine was accessible on opening, but developed quite a bit over time . It began showing primary fruit notes of black cherry – then went through a “strange phase” @ 2-3 hours where it got funky and sweaty-socky (but not bad) – finally balancing out with strawberries and just perfect splash of acidity. The mouthfeel was satiny-smooth, with good length. Totally food friendly. I haven’t tasted a better Pinot Noir under $20. And at roughly 1/3 the price of the Brewer-Clifton, it delivered 2/3 of the quality.