Comments on: 2006 Windbreak Pinot Noir

By: jason

jason — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:37:49 +0000

@Joseph Am I reading this as you had 2 good bottle out of the 11 you tried? If so, what a bummer, hate to hear that! In addition to being thankful for TJ’s return policy we are lucky they are currently loaded with really nice Pinot in the $10-$20 price range. The Robert Stemmler was the latest recommended to me…

By: Joseph S.

Joseph S. — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:31:41 +0000

I stumbled across Windbreak 2006 Pinot at T.J.’s and really liked the first and second bottles I tried. What a deal – a boutique style (Sarmento Vinyard) knowledgeably crafted and barrel aged $30.00 retail bottle for $9.99 I went back to buy as much as I could before it was all gone. After about 9 consecutive less than appealing bottles later (not all in one night), I couldn’t stand the thought of opening and drinking another one. Thank goodness for T.J.’s return policy.

By: jason

jason — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 06:43:54 +0000

@joshiemac I’ve yet to try the ’08 Castle Rock. The reviews to date have been mixed and I am expecting a somewhat significant drop off in the Mendocino version which was my fave. Hopefully I’ll be pleasantly surprised…

@Danny Thanks for mentioning the Pepperwood Grove. I had my first bottle a week or so ago and finished on the fence. I’ll get to that 2nd bottle in the next few days as many palates I respect starting with yours, @joshiemac (who commented above) and RJ are fans. Stay tuned!

@DP It’s not that I didn’t like it, just preferred others. As for the Sebastopol Hills I grabbed a bottle of that last week, looking forward to it and I will keep my eye out for the Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve. As always, thanks for the tips!

By: DP

DP — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:31:34 +0000

Sorry to hear you didn’t like it. The Sebastopol Hills Pinot @$9.99 is, in my opinion, a great deal, and much more of a traditional Pinot–if you can still find it at less than 600 cases around. A TJ’s second label for a much more expensive restraunt wine, a non-disclosure as always.
The Windbreak can be a bit abrasive, but I found the build of the wine to be a high point, a wine that would thrive with aging. A TJ’s Petit Reserve Pinot from Monterey is coming through in a little over a week that @ $6.99 should provide great value. Personally haven’t tried it yet, though.

By: Danny

Danny — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 04:58:14 +0000

Jason, my favorite $10 pinot noir is the 2008 Pepperwood Grove Valle Central (Chile) Pinot Noir at about $6.00. Merry Chistmas!

By: joshiemac

joshiemac — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:10:17 +0000

Jason, I felt the same way about the Windbreak. I found it a little hot and the acidity was a bit much, even with food. Not a bad wine for $10, but I don’t think I’ll be buying any more. I felt the ’07 Castle Rock offerings were more enjoyable for around the same price. I haven’t tried the ’08s yet. Have you?

I’m still looking forward to trying one of the 06 Robert Stemmler RRV Pinots I picked up at TJs the other day.

Happy Holidays!