1999 Salitage Pinot Noir

Salitage are making some very consistent Pinot Noir, and this wine shows very good varietal character. This is an example of a wine that drinks a lot better than it tastes. Now that comment needs some explanations. The silky mouthfeel and texture that this wine delivers can only be felt by swallowing. Something that we definitely do not do during a wine tasting. As it happens the same wine appeared on the dinner table the same night, and what was lacking in power was made up with a generous mouthfeel.Medium body, deep brick red colour. The nose shows good varietal character with aroma of earth, game, cherry and strawberry. The palate has excellent weight and mouthfeel with silky smooth tannins and distinct cherry flavours. The length is satisfactory but not as powerful as it might be. Excellent balance and cherry spice aftertaste. Cellar 2-3 years.

Retasted: April 2001
Medium body, brick red colour. Aromas of stewed fruit, spice and cherry followed by some gamy end notes. The wine displays good varietal character. On the palate flavours of spice, liquorice and stewed fruit. The wine is a touch coarse on the back palate, soft tannins, quite dry, followed by some bitterness. Cellar 2-3 years.

RATING: 82/100

VALUE: XXX/5