2009 Mark Ryan Winery Black Love Pinot Noir

November always reminds me of Pinot Noir.  I’m not sure exactly why, but I have a feeling that there are a couple of reasons.  One thing is the change of seasons.  Now here in Florida the change is slight, but it’s still noticeable.  The heat and humidity slowly start to diminish, and the sweet hope of chilly evenings tease us to open red instead of white!  The usual lightness of Pinot Noir is a nice gradual transition to the winter reds!  Another reason I think of Pinot Noir at this time of the year is because I love this varietal for many of my Thanksgiving wines.  Pinot Noir pairs so well with the traditional dishes of the festive November holiday.

The other night my husband and I opened a 2009 Mark Ryan Winery Black Love Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley.   We purchased this bottle at the winery’s tasting room located in Woodinville, Washington. The fruit itself is sourced from Mark Ryan-designated rows in the Lachini Vineyard in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

The wine is a medium red in color and wonderfully aromatic.  On the nose are strawberry, cinnamon and some smoke.  On the palate are candied apple, strawberry candy, cola and lots of pepper.  There is some heat on the end, but otherwise has a nice, long finish!

Overall this wine is a winner and well worth the $50 price tag.

Mark Ryan Winery is doing some very nice wines.  Check out my visit to the winery here: http://www.timetounwine-d.com/tag/woodinville/

If you’d like even more info, go to their website here: http://markryanwinery.com/