Wine Review – 2006 McManis Pinot Noir

Value Wine Alert! Due to the delicate nature of pinot noir grapes, it is hard to find a decent, pinot noir in the 15-dollar range. Pinot Noir’s tend to take a lot more care and nurturing in order to become a good bottle of win. Therefore, the costs tend to be more expensive on average per bottle. But the McManis pinot is an exception! McManis Family Vineyards is located just south of Lodi, in Ripon, California and they have been making wines since 1990 even though they have been growing grapes for several generations. I first tasted this pinot at the Atlanta Wine School and it was in my top five pinots from the night even though it was by far the cheapest. This wine has a nice ruby color and has strong aromas of cherries. There are tastes of dark fruit and a hint of oak from the ageing barrels. There is a nice crisp and lingering finish that leaves you wanting another sip. One reason this pinot is so smooth is due to the fact they blend in some syrah before the barrel aging. This is what gives it such a smooth feel in your mouth and nice finish. This is a great value and a very pleasant bottle, what makes it even more rare, is the 2006 was their first release of a pinot noir. It retails for about $13.99 and is ready to drink now.

Cheers!