As we’ve mentioned before, Pinot Noir is tricky under $10.  Cavalo Preto Pinot Noir 2013 falls into this category, except that instead of being from one of the usual environments like Oregon, New Zealand, or California, Cavalo Preto Pinot Noir hails from Argentina.  While Argentina may produce great Malbec, how does it do at Pinot Noir.

Sight:  There’s a slightly brickish color that runs throughout, and the body is very light to the point of transparency.

Smell:  The nose is bright, with lots of red cherry, wet stone, and a hint of floral notes.  Subtle touches of spice are present as well.

Sip:  The wine is short of lively, and ends up a little flabby feeling.  The flavor isn’t particularly charming, instead pulling in violets, graphite,  and an almost plastic like note or perhaps lavender cleaner.  Either way, things are a little goofy on the palate.

Savor:  The ending is somewhat similar to the taste, with a graphite and cherry skin, and that strange taste.

Cavalo Preto Pinot Noir just is so unusual, and not particularly pleasant.  The flavor that might be somewhat reminiscent of plastic fruit or lavender soap isn’t something I look for in a wine.  While the terroir is felt through the stone and the graphite,  it just doesn’t deliver enough fruit.  While Cavalo Preto Pinot Noir is cheap, there are much better choices for a few dollars more.

Verdict:  Soap, Plastic, Graphite, Flabby
Price: $8
Mendoza, Argentina