First Look: 2011 Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
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Ah yes, Meiomi. A benchmark sub-$20 fruit forward flavorful California Pinot Noir if there ever was one. With its screw cap and reliably delicious crowd friendly personality it's always good to have on hand. Or order by the glass at a restaurant.
The 2011 vintage has been popping up at retail for the last month or so. It makes me wonder - how many months does this wine spend in barrel? Or should the duration be measured in weeks instead? Whatever the winemaking regiment is, Joe Wagner has found a groove with this bottling that's been consistent over at least the last five years.
Does this vintage compare favorably to prior? I think it does. Here are my notes:
2011 Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir
57,000 cases produced (2010 vintage)
13.9% Alcohol
Dark in color. Aromatically present with grape hard candy notes. Slightly sweet in the palate, but not overly so. Not as plummy as the 2010 but as delicious as the 2008. In keeping stylistically with prior vintages. These guys have found a house style and keep cranking it out.
91/100 WWP: Outstanding
Expect a bit of a price increase on this one. The 2010 was available at Costco in Waltham for the amazing low price of $15.99. They've got the 2011 at $17.79 - a 11.2% increase. Still a good value, but perhaps a sign of a recovering wine industry?
Winery Website: http://meiomiwines.com
Read reviews on CellarTracker
Find it at retailer on Wine-Searcher
If you've enjoyed the Meiomi you might also like the Belle Glos single vineyard wines. Check out how the Las Alturas bottling fared in this Oregon vs. California Pinot Noir showdown.
Update: Wine Spectator has released their rating of this wine and it is quite positive! Check it out
I've been working on a write up of current releases of California Pinot Noirs at Massachusetts warehouse clubs. I'd love it you SUBSCRIBED to The Wellesley Wine Press to be informed of new posts.