Comments on: 2008 Caretaker Pinot Noir

By: Ralph

Ralph — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 17:06:37 +0000

Read a review in TJ’s flyer of a Santa Barbara Landing Pinot recently. These reviews are obviously to sell product so I am wary of them (like everything else as well). But for the price I decided to try one bottle.

Surprise, it is drinkable. In store two days ago they were tasting it. Bottle quality can vary so I tried it to verify my prior reaction. Same reaction. Bought more. For 3.99!

Let me know what you think.

By: Deborah

Deborah — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 18:40:29 +0000

In Feb 2011, it is the 2009 Caretaker Pinot Noir from Santa Maria Valley that is available at TJ. I’m trying to figure out whether it or the 2007 Islay Peak Pinot Noir from San Luis Obispo County (stated to be from Edna Valley Vineyard on the label), will become my new standard (at least for as long as either is available). I opened two bottles at the same time to do a comparison. I liked the taste of the Islay Peak better upon opening, although there was something a bit odd about its smell. Closed both with Vacu Vin. The second day I thought the Caretake tasted better. Weird. Both are very drinkable, and good buys at $9.99.

By: Deborah

Deborah — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 20:10:03 +0000

I just had a bottle of the 2009 Caretaker, and thought it was a bit light, but will definitely try again. Want to compare it with the Caviste (supposedly made by Acacia) I have purchased at Cost Plus World Market, now that the Sabastopol Hills is gone forever at TJ’s. I don’t like the Castle Rock Mendocino 2009 at all; tastes too much like grape juice to me.

By: sergio

sergio — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 03:46:02 +0000

Bonjour les degustateurs!
I really enjoyed this “Caretaker Pinot Noir” which brought me back to Pommard (Bourgogne) and specially to the Rebourgeon (family wine makers…) “petit” Pommard found some years ago….bonne degustation!

By: Mike Kauzer

Mike Kauzer — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 02:57:04 +0000

I brought home a bottle tonight. Had a taste left from last night’s 2007 Etude. Well it’s definitely not an Etude but I enjoyed it. Nice nose with a bit of alcohol. Definitely a Pinot , but no finish other than tannins. But it’s $9.99 and I enjoyed it. Probably will not buy a case but will pick up a couple more bottles.

By: Rickie

Rickie — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:15:21 +0000

Matt, I saw the 2009 at TJ’s the other day and was wondering the same thing, if anyone tried it. I was going to buy a bottle but noticed the alcohol content was 14.5% (I think that’s what it was.. it was at least that much if not higher). I put it back on the shelf because that just seemed kind of high for a Pinot Noir.

By: Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:08:48 +0000

Has anyone tried the 2009 Caretaker Pinot? I keep seeing it daily at my TJs and with a tight budget before a trip to Germany, and not sure if we’ll have a Crew Member tasting of it before I leave, I’m not sure to scoop a few bottles! Thoughts?

By: jason

jason — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:28:31 +0000

Glad you enjoyed!

By: Rickie

Rickie — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:27:19 +0000

I’m drinking the 2008 Caretaker as I type this. This is a darn good Pinot Noir! It smells like a Pinot Noir and tastes like one, too. Really nice balance of fruit, acidity and tannins with just a little bit of alcohol heat but I think that’s because it needs to be slightly cooler (plus it is very warm tonight in So Cal). Even the texture is great – I’ve had too many heavy, syrupy tasting Pinot Noirs from California but this one is not like that at all. It is drinking well right now. I bought it in August 2009 and kept it stored in a wine refrigerator. It can stand a little more age to mellow out the tannins but is certainly very drinkable now. I’m sorry I didn’t get more of this. It is really good!

By: jason

jason — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:54:59 +0000

I haven’t seen this one reappear in any of my stores. That said I would be happy if it did!