Kennedy Point Pinot Noir 2009

This is another New Zealand Pinot Noir, recommended by the guy at the wine shop when I told him I liked the Villa Maria. They cost about the same, this one might be a few dollars cheaper at $20, but I think anything in the $20s is good value for good pinot.

There's a subtle nose at first but it opens upon the next swirl and sniff. A little earthy, like wet leaves and mowed grass, but then sweet and floral. The taste is earthy again, almost like mushrooms. Not a lot of big fruit, but there's some blueberry. It's a touch sour, but pleasantly so, like a sour beer (but not nearly that sour). I wouldn't quite call it elegant, but sort of roughly charming.

It lingers on the palate in a savory way. It went extremely well with a one-pot chicken and rice dish I made. It would make a nice pairing for Valentine's dinner for two.