Wine Review - 2009 Tinhorn Creek Pinot Noir: Crazy Good Warm Climate Pinot

Given the fact that there is a new initiative by our local Government to allow wines from other provinces to be imported for personal consumption, we figured we would give this wine a try.  This Pinot Noir from British Columbia is very unique.  It is closer to California Pinot but that comparison doesn't do this wine justice.  It is definitely a warm climate wine with a dark look and a seriously hot nose.

As a Pinot Noir when compared to all the French and Kiwi versions we have tried this is not even on the same planet.  It is dark with a slightly thin look but is much closer to a medium bodied wine.  This is another wine that swirls and sticks to the sides and comes down slow, but at 14.7% no shock.  The colour is a deep red and not even close to reminiscent of "normal" Pinot Noir.  Lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon yes, but not that dark either.

This wine has a lot of complexity in the nose with an earthy base full of mushrooms and dirt layered in with choke cherries and plums.  So interesting and certainly matches the flavour profile.

The choke cherries continue where the only traditional Pinot Noir characteristic shows up which is the acidity.  A nice burn that balances out with the fruit of which there is no shortage.  Plums and cranberries take centre stage and makes for a great tasting experience.  It is awesome.

	Tasting Notes:	Score:
Sight (0-5)	Medium bodied deep red wine that looks nothing like Kiwi Pinot but who cares.	4.0
Smell (0-5)	No vegetal and grassy notes but lots of earthy tones of mushrooms, dirt, choke cherries and plums. Complex.	4.5
Taste (0-10)	Choke cherries and plums continue with cranberries and a full mouth feel and is packed with great acidity.	8.25
	Total:	16.75 / 20 (83.75%)

At $20 there is a huge amount of flavour and quality and this is a recommended buy if you are able to import this into your local jurisdiction or visit BC.

Keep on tasting!

Chris & Shannon