A constant internal debate I have with wine choices on this site is whether to pick wines that are distributed widely enough that just about any reader can find them or just focus on those hidden gems that you should scoop up if you’re lucky enough to come across them. Ultimately I try to do a bit of both, and this is an example of a widely-distributed, easy-to-find wine. Unfortunately it is also an example of a sterile, mass produced wine that exudes no character.
The wine I’m talking about is Woodbridge Pinot Noir 2005 by Robert Mondavi. Woodbridge Pinot Noir comes from vineyards near Limoux, in France’s Languedoc. What is somewhat peculiar about this is that Limoux is really known for white wines, not Pinot Noir. In fact, Limoux claims to be the birthplace of sparkling wine.
As far as the tasting of the Woodbridge Pinot Noir goes, it’s not a bad wine. It’s just kind of lame. It has good color and a nice bouquet but the palate is seriously lacking fruit. The tannins are OK. It’s slightly too acid in my opinion, but more than anything, it’s boring… no complexity. It also has a rather low in alchohol level at 12.5%.
It only cost me $7, but I can think of several other wines that will treat me better for my seven bucks. The numbers came out to an 82, which means it’s a drinkable wine but nothing special.
Wine: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2005
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 82