Scout Vineyards is located in the Finger Lakes, but the fruit that went into this pinot noir was grown in the Niagara Escarpment AVA in Quast Vineyard – one of the oldest pinot plantings in the East.
A mix of red and black cherry drives the nose along with subtle earthiness and the faintest note of blood orange (something I’ve noticed in other Quast-grown pinots). There is some volatile acidity here too, but it doesn’t overwhelm.
The medium-to-light bodied palate is a bit more earthy, but still with a nice core of cherry fruit along with layers of mesquite smoke and fresh blacktop. It shows nice freshness and there are soft, approachable tannins. The finish shows a bit more of that VA, but again, it’s not overwhelming.
Producer: Scout Vineyards
Region: Niagara Escarpment AVA
Vineyard Source: Quast Vineyard
ABV: 12.5%
Price: $34*
Score: 87 points
* Review sample provided by the winery
