Around a month ago I received three bottles of Pinot Noir. One was from Vancouver Island, Blue Grouse Estate Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2021, while the other two were from California. They are the La Crema Vineyard Monterey Pinot Noir 2022 and Cambria Estate Winery Julia’s Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Pinot Noir 2022. I will taste each and compare my notes to see how latitude may affect the aromas and flavours of our BC Pinot Noir compared to the two samples from California. Here are my Blue Grouse tasting notes.
My Tasting Notes
Blue Grouse Estate Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2021 (BC $75.99)
From the winery, “…our inaugural Pinot Noir—a blend of tradition and innovation. Crafted through foot-treading, clay aging, and sourced from two esteemed Cowichan Valley sites…aged in barrel for 18 months.” Only 50 cases were produced.
Appearance: A clear, translucent to the core, medium-intensity garnet colour.
Nose: Medium intensity, pretty aromas with a strong cinnamon scent followed by red cherries and lesser amounts of raspberries and cranberries. Same aromas after decanting, but the cinnamon is a bit lighter and there is now a hint of vanilla.
Palate: This wine is dry and medium-bodied with a smooth, round, soft mouthfeel. Fine, light tannins and medium acidity. Red fruit flavours mainly, with lesser amounts of red plums, sweet spices, floral, and oak. Bright fruit flavours. There is more floral flavour after decanting, plus I now pick up cranberries on the mid-palate. The wine is also a tad fuller-bodied.
Finish: A medium-plus length finishing with red fruit, plum and floral flavours. Just a touch of cinnamon. Mouthwatering acidity to the end. Light fine tannins on the finish. After decanting the wine finishes with slightly stronger tannins and you can add a touch of cranberry flavour.
A pretty, elegant, delightful Pinot Noir. You can enjoy it with or without decanting.
Rating: 
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A clear, translucent to the core, medium-intensity garnet colour. Medium intensity, pretty aromas with a strong cinnamon scent followed by red cherries and lesser amounts of raspberries and cranberries. This wine is dry and medium-bodied with a smooth, round, soft mouthfeel. Red fruit flavours mainly, with lesser amounts of red plums, sweet spices, floral, and oak. Medium-plus length.
Where Can I Buy This Wine?
You can purchase this wine online at the Blue Grouse Estate Winery website.
