2011 Caiden's Vineyards 'Block Nine' California Pinot Noir

About This Wine

There seem to be two “kinds” of California Pinot Noir in the marketplace today.

One would be extremely limited, extremely expensive bottlings from long-time Pinot Noir makers. The other would be mass-produced, characterless wines that are seemingly taking advantage of Pinot’s popularity. In recent years, there has been little room for smaller production renditions at affordable prices.

That’s where Block Nine comes in. With veteran vintner Larry Levin (formerly of Dry Creek Vineyard and Icon Estates) overseeing the cellar, Block Nine from Caiden’s Vineyards makes nothing but Pinot Noir. And he’s obviously not only focused on the job at hand, but having fun doing it.

“The 2011 vintage is a beautifully long and rich wine,” he enthuses. “The aromas exhibit generous bright fruit, the wine is silky in the mouth with good body, and the finish is seductive and complex.” Take a sip, and you’ll wish there were more Pinot Noir bottlings of this type.

About Pinot Noir

Very sensitive to climate and handling in winery, this fickle grape of Burgundy yields low tannin and acidity, medium colors and lifespan. Classic berry, cherry and currant flavors, silky textures typically balanced with spicy or floral tones.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Pinot Noir
• Grape Source:Select Vineyards in Various California Growing Regions
• Aromas & Flavors:Ripe Cherry, Strawberry, Violets, Plum, Tea, Clove and Sandalwood
• Aging Vessels:French Oak Barrels
• When to Drink:Now Through 2016
• Food Pairing Suggestionsalmon, or a grilled sirloin steak.

Member Ratings

Recipes

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  Pork Tenderloin With Tart Cherry Port And Caraway Sauce This delicious recipe from Sonoma County's J. Fritz Winery matches beautifully with almost any red wine. It makes 4 to 6 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Grenoble Style Salmon This recipe, which matches beautifully with Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Duck Breast With Red Wine Risotto This recipe calls for a good quality red wine, and we suggest either Pinot Noir or Merlot. Whichever you choose, we also suggest serving that wine with the meal. This recipe makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Pinot Noir Sauce Try this flavorful sauce over lamb or prime rib, and serve with Pinot Noir, Malbec or a red blend... Get The Recipe
  

  Herb Crusted Tuna Steaks This recipe is extremely versatile, matching well with most white and lighter red wines. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
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  Tomato Pesto Pasta A wonderful match with Cabernet Sauvignon, this recipe helps bring out the fruitful quality of the wine. It also matches nicely with other red wines, and serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  The Perfect Potatoes With the holidays on the horizon, several ACWC members have asked us for recipes to accompany main dishes such as turkey or ham. Here's one we love - and it can even be a meal in itself, served with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. It makes 6 to 8 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Duck A La Orange Just in case this year's California wildfires impart a smoky flavor to vintage 2008 wines, here's a recipe that will match up nicely. Otherwise, try this dish - developed by Garre Winery Executive Chef Ty Turner -- with naturally smoky wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Noir or Syrah. Get The Recipe
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  Mushroom Barley Stew A fruity red wine is the perfect match for this hearty recipe, which serves 4 to 6. MUSHROOM BARLEY STEW Ingredients - 1 T olive oil - 2 carrots, chopped... Get The Recipe
  

  Balsamic Maple Glazed Salmon Try this recipe, which makes 4 servings, with Pinot Noir or Syrah. Get The Recipe
  

  Green Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette With almost any type of salad, we suggest Sauvignon Blanc as a well-matched wine. But because of the cranberry flavor featured in this recipe, you may want to try a wine that includes cranberry among its aromas and flavors. We tried it with a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir, and it turned out to be an intriguing and enticing combination. Get The Recipe
  

  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe