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California's Central Coast winery offers excellent red wines at affordable prices.
PIETRA SANTA RED WINE REVIEWS 2005 Pietra Santa Pinot Noir Central Coast; 14.1% alc., $18Bright, refreshing, easy drinking Pinot Noir with an unmistakable varietal nose. Very light on the palate with flavors reminiscent of rose, spicy cherry and sweet herbs. Try it slightly chilled as an apértif with canapés or hors d'oeuvres. 2003 Pietra Santa Zinfandel Cienega Valley; 15.9% alc., $15One of the best values we've seen in California Zinfandel. Rich, ripe, concentrated and mouth filling. Very deep bluish ruby color, almost opaque. Aromas and flavors of rose, blackberry, blackcurrant, white pepper, and a note of unsweetened cocoa on the finish. Recommended. 2003 Pietra Santa Merlot Cienega Valley; 15.4% alc., $15Attractive, rich deep ruby color. Very good aromatics with spicy, peppery cherry dominating richly concentrated varietal flavors that suggest a Merlot costing much more than its suggested retail price of $15. Acids are in balance with tannins, which are soft but noticeable on the finish along with a slight bitterness which we did not find objectionable. Very good viscosity in the mouth and in the glass. Pietra Santa's '03 Merlot is one of the finest California Merlots we have found at this price point. Recommended. 2003 Pietra Santa Sangiovese Cienega Valley; 15.1% alc, $18Very Italianate in style, this wine drinks more like a Tuscan Chianti than a California Sangiovese. Sangiovese and Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon blends have always distinguished this winery. While many California Sangioveses are soft and fruit-driven and medium-bodied, Pietra Santa's Sangiovese stands out from the pack in its ability to express its unique terroir. Rich, warm ruby color and very aromatic with strong aromas and flavors of ripe cherry, clove and white pepper. Full body with some unresolved tannins that would suggest some additional cellaring. Chewy texture and not overly sweet, with a dry finish that leaves the palate ready for the next event, rather than the cloying sweetness typical of many other California Sangioveses. An excellent value for a wine with this degree of character. Fuller-bodied than most California Sangioveses and only a little less so than premium Cabernet Sauvignons, pair this wine with grilled meats and savory stews. Highly Recommended. 2002 Pietra Santa Cabernet Sauvignon Cienega Valley; 14.4% alc., $20The '02 Pietra Santa Cabernet Sauvignon is a big, bold, varietally true California Cabernet Sauvignon. Very aromatic with spicy, peppery Bing cherry notes in the foreground against an attractive background of vanilla and other sweet oak products. Delicious flavors of sweet, dark plum and tart blackberries. Rich mouthfeel, good acid balance and long finish. A beautiful, rich California Cabernet Sauvignon at a very affordable price. Highly recommended.
The copyright of the article Pietra Santa Red Wines in New World Wine is owned by Alan Boehmer. Permission to republish Pietra Santa Red Wines in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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