Carmel Road 2006 Pinot Noir, Monterey, California
All Risqué’s LUSHES know that Risqué has a huge affinity for continually putting big pinots in his mouth and thus… he knows average when he sees or tastes it. Turned on by Carmel Road’s 2006 Pinot Noir, Risqué considers this Pinot to be definitely…“Bigger than Average”.
The 100% Pinot Noir shows a ruby gem like color that fades to a lustrous rich purple. Soothing to the nose is exotic spicy cinnamon, kola nut, huge cherry, deep blackberry, warm mocha and light fresh violets. In the mouth is a little earthiness (as with many pinots) with succulent fruit forwardness of ripe cherries and blackberries, ending with a toasty moderate happy finish. 7 ½ months (not inches) of aging in French oak barrels has produced a tasty wine full of fruity girth that is expected to last through 2012. Risqué has his hands all over it!
Risqué would swirl, sip and pair this wine with truffle fries and a medium-rare bistecca topped with a mix of exotic and wild sautéed mushrooms.
Size is definitely important when selecting a Pinot, especially in a world where most consider themselves bigger than average. Risqué recommends the Carmel Road 2006 Pinot Noir as it is not only better than average… it is bigger than average.
So bigger is better!
Alcohol 14.0% ($20)
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May 13th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Our first time! Here at the Temecula Valley office of CAKE Newsletter, we were juiced earlier in the year to discover the Risqué Sommelier. So following a way-too-busy spring season, we decided it was high time to taste one of his picks. Being Pinot-weenies, we settled on RS’s recommendation of the Carmel Road. Of course, our local market only stocked the 2005, which set us back an additional $ten. But it was well worth it!
When the first taste flowed over the tongue, we were reminded of Betty Davis’ line from All About Eve, “Fasten your seatbelts . . . !” We knew we were in for a ride! The wine offered significant depth right out of the bottle, with the flavors only getting deeper & denser as the evening progressed. What a pleasant end to a day.
Risqué Sommelier? He knows of what he speaks!
Michael & Karon. CAKE Wine Country Newsletter.