Recently, there’s been a lot of recommendations for Pinot Noir, which is probably the result of so many boring and bad Pinot Noirs being tried on First Pour Wine.  2009 Lucky Star Pinot Noir is the recommendation of a relative who happens to be very much into Pinot Noir.  After searching for several weeks to no avail, I finally managed to procure a bottle.  Can Lucky Star send my expectations of under $10 Pinot Noir to new heights, or is it just shooting past so I can keep wishing?

Sight:  A lighter red, and slightly purplish red core.

Smell:  Black cherry, raspberry, and blueberry with a small amount of vanilla. Mushrooms and forest hidden in the depths.

Sip:  Very dry, with plenty of black cherry, blackberry, and a touch of mocha  and mushrooms.  Light in body, tempered acid, and a touch hot. [A.B.V. 13.5%]

Savor:  Slight notes of powdered espresso with a bit of mushroom and cranberry.  It does linger and change for longer than it seems.

Overall, it’s a Pinot Noir.  It’s not exciting, but it’s also not disappointing.  This isn’t really the best characteristic of a wine.  Being in offensive is good, but only in so far as being offensive isn’t.  For lovers of Pinot Noir, give it a try, but if given a choice, a visit to Mr. West would be better rewarded for a dollar more.

Verdict:  More stars in the sky than the bottle.
Price: $8.99
California
http://www.luckystarwines.com/