This Anderson Valley 14.1% alcohol 2012 Carpe Diem Pinot Noir is filled with black cherry and oak. It comes from a fog-covered area that helps retain its acids, but scoring 14+ points out of 20, shows it’s not a Dionysian food wine.
The Carpe Diem “Save the Day” or “take advantage of every minute,” is a bit out of balance; it will not age for decades, but is drinkable right now. I think they should have picked earlier and used less oak.
When wines cost over $20, they should be balanced. Classic Pinot Noir is never as inky dark as this example, so the maceration was either too long, or some Syrah was added for color. It’s a bit hot too, although it’s fine for autumn / winter drinking. In vino veritas.
A pasta with mild sausage and Jersey tomato helped hide the alcohol in the Carpe Diem Pinot Noir.
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