Value Alert: 2008 Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir

Ah, the ongoing quest to find great $20 Pinot Noir.  You know what?  I think it's gotten a little easier lately. When I first tried the 2008 Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir (pronounced BELL GLOSS MAY-OH-MEE) at The Capital Grille Burlington by the glass I liked it.  When I cracked this open for pizza night recently I loved it.

The wine is a blend of Pinot Noir grapes from Sonoma, Monterey and Santa Barbara counties.  What I liked about it was that it was so rich and satisfying while offering layers of complexity.  Even a little bit of earth which I find is rare in California Pinot Noir.  Quite an accomplishment at this price point (available for right around $20 if you look around).

The Belle Glos brand is part of the Caymus family that includes their flagship/excellent/consistent Cabernet Sauvignon, delicious Conundrum white blend, and Mer Soleil Chardonnay.  It's an interesting approach fragmenting their line-up into distinct brands but you can't argue with the results.  The Wagner family has quite a stable of excellent brands at this point.  Here's an excellent summary of the Wagner family and their brands from winereviewonline.com.

Here are my notes:

2008 Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir
13.9% Alcohol

For what this wine is, and by that I mean a luscious fruit-forward full-bodied CA Pinot Noir that will absolutely please a crowd, it is near-perfection. Brings enough layers of complexity to be taken seriously yet is enjoyable and focused without thinking too much about it. A great value at around $20. Buying more as I type this.

92 WWP/Outstanding

Recommendation: Crack this one open with friends who are looking to enjoy a flavorful delicious wine.  I think this label is poised for consistent success in the Pinot Noir category going forward.  Definitely one to watch.

Find this wine on Wine-Searcher.com
See other user reviews on GrapeStories.com
Follow the winery on Twitter: @BelleGlosMeiomi

Further Reading: In 2008 Belle Glos made three vineyard designated Pinot Noirs.  Here's a write-up I did comparing their Las Alturas Pinot Noir to an outstanding Pinot Noir from Oregon. 

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Question of the Day: What are some of your favorite sub-$20 Pinot Noir producers?