Finding a dependable pinot noir at a lower end price point is nothing short of difficult.   As you can see in our examples, here, here, and here. This is mostly due to the difficult nature of growing pinot noir.  Despite this, Wine Library has proclaimed pinot noir to be the wine for the holidays.  Given the continuous sales they’ve been having on their Clone 5 Pinot Noir 2010, and their advice on wine, is it worth it to stock your holiday table with it? [Hint, yes, yes it is!]

Sight:  Bright red body leaning brickish, and a lighter red edge.  Just the tiniest hint of orange around the edge.

Smell:  A great earthiness jumps out from the get go, with toasted oak, spice, and a hint of cocoa powder.  Behind the earthy notes is a good amount of fresh cherries and currants.

Sip:  The body is bright and light, but also incredibly velvety.   The oakiness persists into the palate, adding spice, cocoa powder, and vanilla to a chorus of bright cherries, pomegranates, and currants.  Mushrooms and forest floor chill in the background.

Savor:  The ending continues with a strong amount of smoke, cherry, and earthiness.   It almost is a touch meaty, like smoked ham. The finish is long, and leans toward oak.

Clone 5 Pinot is a fantastic Pinot Noir for the price,  with a good amount of depth.    The earthy notes are complimented by the balancing of oak and fruit.  The acidity helps to keep it ready for food.  Given the trouble finding a good value pinot noir in the $10-15 price range, this might be a dependable day to day wine that bursts with flavor and can swing up to some bigger dishes.   Overall, Clone 5 Pinot Noir is a fantastic choice for a gift for lovers of pinot noir in your life, or if you need a bottle for the table during the holidays.

Verdict:  Toasty Oak, Smoke, Currants, Cherries
Price: $19 (On Sale for $11.11-$14.99, use code IGC5P10 free shipping at Wine Library)
Santa Barbara County, California