Boom, after last night’s epic Pinot fail I was determined to find something worthy of my time, and the Cornish Game Hens I roasted tonight.  This was it.  I really enjoyed myself and had to remember how I got this wine.  You see, several months ago I opened a Merryvale Merlot that was corked.  The folks at the winery got in touch with me after reading about the botched bottle and offered to replace it.  Talk about customer service and a class act.  So, in finalizing the replacement I was so taken by the representative’s willingness to make sure I was happy I ordered some of their other wines.  So far so good I must say.  Here we go..

Classic new world nose of bing and white cherries interspersed with some violets.  In the glass, a very crimson purple that is see-through- typical of Pinot.  On the initial attack there is strawberry, cranberry, cherry and a subtle mouthfeel that is balanced to within an inch of it’s life.  Razor sharp focus with a hint of acidity offset by some lurking tannins make this a well made Pinot.  I timed a 30 second finish that kept morphing, amazing.  I served it up with Cornish Game Hens and steamed veggies that made this wine excel.  92 points from me for this $35 effort make it a solid 4 star wine, but I’m going to give it 5 because I’m in a generous mood.  Perfect with poultry and perhaps a cream sauce based dish.  Lovely and smooth.  Salut….