Mark West is probably one of my go to recommendations for Pinot Noir since reviewing it back in 2011.  The quality at $10 was superb for Pinot Noir, and thanks to the large production, dependable.  Five years later, can Mark West Pinot Noir still deliver the value that launched it to be a go to pick for First Pour Wine?

Sight:  A lighter ruby, bordering into hues of pink.

Smell:  More of a subtle nose than a jump up and grab you by the collar kind of wine.  The nose has a good amount of cranberry and spice. Cherries get involved as well.

Sip:  There’s a soft mouthfeel that keeps the liveliness smoothed over.  Notes of cherries and currant drive things up, but there are elements of spice and hints of vanilla around the edges.

Savor:  On the finish, there are touches of tannins, a hint of cocoa powder, and more red fruits.

Mark West Pinot Noir is very subtle, and very inoffensive.  There’s a lot of good elements of fruit and spice here.  The mouthfeel is very well balanced, and the personality is easy going.  That said, Mark West isn’t super complicated or overly interesting, but definitely good value for the money.

Verdict:  Cherry, Mushroom, Chocolate, Hot
Rating: 86
Price: $10
Acampo, California

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