2003 J. K. Carriere “Provocateur” Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir
A generous nose of dark plums, root beer, cola, mossy forest floor, and tobacco introduce a dry, moderately full bodied wine. The afore mentioned flavors are nudged to the background by ripe black cherry on the mid-palate, with a savory element adding to the complexity. An unsteady balance is struck between ample tannin adding power, and enough acidity to provide a refined presence. The savory finish lingers nicely on the tongue.
This is J. K. Carriere’s entry level Pinot, and a lot of wine for $19. A few more years may smooth its tannic nature, but the wine drinks well now, if a bit on the rustic side. The wine provides a superb match to grilled steak at present, and potentially a good foil for sturdy lighter fare in the future. My score of 89 puts this wine well within good QPR territory.
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