Cheap Pinot Noir is something like taking the Polar Plunge.  Just like you know the water is going to be cold, cheap Pinot tends to suck.  Still, there’s a lot of lovers of Pinot Noir since sideways, so it’s worth taking a look for one that might fit the bill.  The recommendation of the man at Total Wine was Tuli.  After all, Tuli’s one of the best names in the business.  Not wanting to spend that much, his under $10 pick was Firebrand Pinot Noir.

Sight:  There’s a bit of browning on the edge, of a pink-ruby hued body.

Smell:  There’s a distinct spiciness to this, running from cinnamon to cumin to several points in between.  Baked strawberries and raspberries add some red fruit tinged sweetness, and a hint of cranberry pervades.

Sip:  The body is light and bright, if slightly angular.  There’s a bit of bitterness that runs through and leans into the cranberry side of things.  Spicing and more strawberry come together to add a bit of a zip, and hints of smoke flit around the edges.

Savor:  The ending is a little thin and anemic, with slight tannins and hints of smoke and cranberry.

Firebrand Pinot Noir leaves something of a burning sensation.  There’s some good red fruit in the cranberry, but it’s all overly bright.  The smoke notes are aggressive too, and while the spice fits, theses are a bit on the overkill side of the spectrum.  Given where it comes from, Parlier, California, this isn’t really surprising.  The area isn’t known for great Pinot.   Don’t mistake this for meaning it’s undrinkable, far from it.  Rather, Firebrand Pinot Noir just leaves a lot to be desired from a balance perspective but is thoroughly drinkable.

Verdict:  Smokey, Angular, Bright, Cranberry, Spiced
Rating: 74
Price: $10
Parlier, California

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