2005 McIntyre Monterey Pinot Noir

Like most Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, the fruit has very good color. It holds its acid well, and tends towards the darker fruit end of the spectrum. The 2005 Pinot Noir is quite deeply colored and full bodied, with similarly dark fruit flavors, although there is a hint of something more high toned in the aromas as well. Still, you would not call this a light and pretty wine; rather it is a bit towards the dark and brooding end of the scale. There is a spice note that it shares with many of the Pinots from the Highlands to go along with the cherry and generally dark berried fruit flavors. It is a bit more tannic than many Santa Lucia Pinots. This is a winter wine, good with heartier fare. Give it a little air before drinking---it will help open up the aromas.