Smoking Loon Pinot Noir 2007

Before I got involved with drinking wine, a number of people that I hung out with brought Smoking Loon brand wines to parties. I always liked the label – a loon with a stogie. When I saw the 2007 Smoking Loon Pinot Noir on the shelf at Walmart I immediately missed the old label – no more cigar puffing foul. In the mood for an “over $10, under $20″ Pinot, I opted to pick it up in spite of the new PC label.

It was nice, dark and rich looking in the glass with a moderate amount of berry-cherry on the nose. There was a nice texture along with all the fruit that came through on the palate. What I was not expecting was the moderate level of acidity. I prefer less acidity in a red, but with soft, smooth tannins it wasn’t bad. It’s not and overly complex wine – simple and easy to drink if you don’t mind the acidity level.

While I like it, I don’t know that I’d pick up this vintage again. Perhaps a year younger would add some complexity, but I won’t know that until I have a 2008 now will I. In summary, 82 points mainly due to the amped acidity level – it moderated (or I did) as I drank more if it.