2011 Family Vineyards Pinot Noir

The 2011 Pinot Noir is the one recent release that did not quite meet my expectations. It has a simple bouquet that feels just a year or two more advanced than it should be for a 2011. The palate is medium-bodied with tart cherry fruit and crisp acidity, although it is missing the length and complexity of a top-tier South African Pinot. Drink now. I am a big fan of Newton Johnson whose wines have a proclivity to over-deliver – not a bad thing in my book. Ironically, the bottle that perhaps did not quite muster as many superlatives is the most expensive – the Pinot Noir. This aside, these wines come highly recommended. Importer: The Country Vintner, Ashland VA 23005. Tel: 804-752-3673