I grew up a weirdo. I wore sweatpants till 6th grade. I skipped lunch to hang out in the band room. I was truly a black sheep. Tonight when the wild streak hit again, I decided to try something a little different. A little weird. So I grabbed this French Pinot Noir that claims to be New World-accessible. They blended it with Grenache and oaked it to add extra fruit and depth. Very new-wave for the French.
Nerd Alert: Speaking of Pinot Noir, in nearly all of the USA a wine labeled as Pinot Noir only needs to contain 75% Pinot and the label does not have to tell you what the rest is. The next time you are trying a California Pinot, if it is uncharacteristically dark for the varietal they likely blended it with a possibly cheaper, easier to grow grape like Syrah.
This wine looks darker and heavier than expected from Pinot Noir due to the 15% Grenache. The aroma is cherries and raspberries with spice and some oak. It tastes fruit forward with round juices and warm spice. The acid is tangy but pleasant, and the oak gives it an extra kick. The tannins hold through a medium-long finish. Not a classic french pinot, more of a California style. Not the best out there, but decent wine for the price.
Winemaker: Le Grand Noir
Wine: Black Sheep Pinot Noir
Year: 2015
Region: Minervois, Languedoc Roussillon
Grape: 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Grenache
Price: $10-$12
Rating: 7/10