Regular readers here should know that I’m a big fan of Chilean wines. But this wine is from California, so why am I talking about Chile? Because the founder of Estancia, Augustin Huneeus, was born in Chile. I’m not sure if that has any relevance to my appreciation for this wine or not, but I found it an interesting fact.
Huneeus purchased the former Paul Masson vineyard in Soledad, California in 1986 and established the Estancia winery there. I can still remember the famous Paul Masson commercials with Orson Welles from when I was a kid. The tag line was, “we will sell no wine before its time.”
This Monterey County land is a cool climate region and Huneeus appropriately planted it with chardonnay and pinot noir. This land was named the Pinnacles Ranches vineyard for Estancia, and while it’s the first land Huneeus purchased for Estancia there have been subsequent acquisitions that have expanded the footprint of their vineyards.
This has a nice, well-rounded nose with black cherry, plum, berry and leather aromas. The palate is exactly what you would expect from the nose, an explosion of black cherry, blueberry and plum flavors. The tannins and acidity are good. The finish is a little short, but it’s still a very enjoyable pinot noir at a bargain price.
Wine: Estancia – Pinnacles Vineyards
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 86
Price: $12.99
Find Estancia – Pinnacles Vineyards with Snooth
I agree that Estancia does a nice job overall, getting what amounts to a vineyard designate Pinot for under $15 always seems like a good deal, especially when it comes from a respected growing region like Monterey.
There’s a lot to be said for a classic example of a varietal at an affordable price.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Mark.
I’m drinking the 2010 right now. I could have sworn Estancia made a Sonoma Pinot Noir, but all Google has turned up so far is the Monterey County wine. We used to go through hundreds of cases a year of Estancia Pinot Noir back when I was a beverage controller at the Marriott. Our guests were huge fans of their wine. I agree it’s fantastic for the price! Paid $13 for it today at WinCo.
I have a bottle of Estancia 2010 Pinot Noir. Will it be good to drink today … 6 years later?
Hi Katherine. There is one way to find out. It may be OK. I’ve been surprised by some wines I didn’t think would age well but did.