As you know I only buy great wines and this challenge is no exception. When it comes to Pinot Noir I like Oregon better but these two wines at the same price I purchased them at ($35) are a toss up!
- 2012 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Temperance Hill – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (11/25/2020)
Day 1: Iron, cranberry, strawberry, boysenberries and earth. Concentrated wine and medium plus finish. Good acidty. 92 points (92 points)
- 2012 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir Rapley Trail Vineyard – USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (11/23/2020)
Day 1: Soy, floral, earth, burnt toast, underbrush and dust. The exact opposite of an overripe California Pinot. Elegant and good acidity. Medium finish. 92 points
Day 2: Nice and features soy, underbrush, violets, raspberries, minerals and dust. One of the more Burgundy like wines from California that I have tasted. 91 points
Day 3: Still solid. I would consume these soon.
Recommendation: This is a pop and pour wine right now. Drink now to 2022. (92 points)
Both from 2012 and I would say the St. Innocent has a longer life ahead. Thomas Fogarty was purchased at WineStreets for $35 and got the St. Innocent from Envoyer which is one of the best wine shops in the US.