A Pinot Noir for the long haul: Laird 2007 Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir

This is another ‘find’ from Whispering Vine out at The Grove, corner of South Virginia and Foothill, in Reno, Nevada. I decided to take a break from sampling whites the other evening, and ended up taking a bottle of the Laird 2007 Ghost Ranch (Carneros) Pinot Noir home for dinner that night.

The bottle gave up a couple glasses that night, then a few more during the week. I finished it this evening, telling Mr. Maven that it was as satisfying and delicious - if not more so, having sat for a week - than the night I opened it.  This is a bottle that you could give with pride. But even better, give one to yourself. And another for me, if you’re feeling generous.

At first sniff, the nose is medium. Not huge, just nicely behaved aromas of fruit - cherries and raspberries - with a bit of forest floor earthiness and maybe a wisp of lavender wafting over a beautiful garnet color. The taste, ah that’s the thing that separates this from all other contenders.

Mouthwateringly smooth, round supple tannins easily support the medium acidity. Think silk and velvet gliding across the palate. Strawberry jam with toasty cinnamon and vanilla are wonderfully juicy and balanced, and belie the 9 months in oak. It’s barely there. The finish is just grand - you don’t want it to end. You could pay a whole lot more, but … why?

The WV had a really good price on it, $31.95 compared to $36.00 to $40.00 I’ve seen advertised elsewhere. I think I’ll get another for the chiller and save it for a great dinner occasion. If you’ve wondered about what the difference is between an alright pinot noir and a really outstanding one, then try the Laird Ghost Ranch against any other $20 and under pinot noir - you’ll just ‘get it’ instantly.

This is what you’ll compare other pinot noir against.

If this doesn’t quite ‘do it’ for you, and you crave something more assertive …  ‘manly’, try the Laird Jillian’s Blend.

-maven