de Loach (Calif.) Pinot Noir 2005
This wine is on offer from July 3rd – 13th in the summer 2007 sale from Bibendum. That means you will have to buy it by the case if you want it, though that is no great hardship at its price of 6.36, whilst other retailers have it for between 7.99 (Wine Society) and 11.99. It has an attractively creamy and bright nose of silken black fruits, with black cherry and juicy damson plum, and plenty of smoky, spicy, briar and earthy sweetness. On the palate the sweetness and svelte, supple ripeness of both fruit and tannins is immediately seductive, but there’s more to this wine than just flatteringly ripe fruit: it does not lose its ‘Pinosity’, with a swirling, smoky oak character and those earthy, lightly truffly notes present and correct. Please note: the other great bargain of the sale is the pristine, succulent Madfish (Western Australia) Riesling 2006, offered at just 5.15 per bottle down from 8.99. Bibendum .