2003 Koehler Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills.

SENSORY ASSESSMENT:

Dark garnet colored. Plum and cherry on the nose with a spicy, herbal, earthy edge. A smoky, leathery, element is present at first and evolves over the course of the bottle to declare itself as cola. The palate is flush with juicy cherry and strawberry. There is distinct spice noted. Light to medium tannins give this wine a nice feel but do not overwhelm. A lasting finish echoes the cherry and strawberry in the palate. A transient alcohol sizzle is present at the end.

OPINION: 

Koehler strives to make premium wines at affordable prices and this wine is just that. It is a medium bodied Pinot Noir with the characteristics described above. This wine may be amenable to decanting. The sharper aromas, if not to your liking, dissipate nicely and the fruit flavors become more expressive with decanting.

BOTTOM LINE:

Good with appealing characteristics.

Recommended.