The Crusher Pinot Noir

A dark red hue, classic Merlot aromas of smoky, sweet spice and soft red berries linger with a certain signature Wilson Vineyards character. This wine is smooth and welcoming from the get-go, beginning with lush red, jammy fruit. Caramel and cherry notes emerge on the mid-palate, evolving into cedar and cinnamon on the finish, with pleasant strawberry nuances in the background. Blended with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon to add backbone and structure, the finish shows just a light touch of tannin and excellent length.

Try a cedar-plank salmon served with rosemary roasted potatoesthe delicate spice flavors in the wine will mirror wonderfully with this dish. For a change in pace, a lamb gyro in a pita roll would go nicely, as would some simple semisoft cheese, such as manchego or gouda.

Region Description

(pee noh nwahr)—A tricky grape to grow, Pinot Noir makes some of the best wines in the world. The prototype wine is red Burgundy from France but Oregon, California, New Zealand, and parts of Australia also produce good Pinot Noir. The wine is lighter in color than Cabernet or Merlot with relatively high alcohol, medium-to-high acidity, and medium-to-low tannin. Its flavors and aromas can be very fruity or earthy and woodsy, depending on how it is grown. It is rarely blended with other grapes.