Vanderpump Pinot Noir

This Vanderpump Pinot Noir is a United States wine listed under Massachusetts. Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned red grape, so expect a lighter-bodied red with bright red-fruit character. Styles like this usually show cherry, raspberry and cranberry, sometimes with a hint of dried herbs or forest floor. Tannin is typically soft and fine-grained, and acidity is lively. Any oak influence tends to appear as gentle spice rather than heavy vanilla. The finish is generally medium in length and easy rather than grippy. The exact fruit profile and oak treatment aren't specified for this bottle, so treat these as the usual markers of the grape. Pinot Noir's moderate tannin and good acidity make it one of the more flexible reds at the table. It suits roast chicken, duck breast, salmon or seared tuna, and mushroom dishes such as risotto or a pan-roasted portobello. It also works with pork tenderloin, charcuterie and softer cheeses like brie or Gruyère. It can be overwhelmed by heavily spiced or very rich red-meat dishes, where a fuller red is a better match. Serve it lightly cooled, at about 55 to 60°F. That is roughly 20 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator, or a short time in a cool cellar. If it's served too warm, the fruit turns flat and the alcohol stands out. Decanting isn't usually necessary for a Pinot Noir at this style level. If the wine seems closed when first poured, 15 to 20 minutes in the glass or a brief pass through a decanter will open it up. A Burgundy-style glass with a wide bowl and a tapered rim concentrates the red-fruit aromas. Most Pinot Noir in this style is made to be opened soon after purchase, and it is best enjoyed within a few years of release. Without details on the vintage or the winemaker's intentions, assume this is a drink-now bottle rather than one for long cellaring. Note for the catalog team: the product category lists "Chardonnay" while the product name is Pinot Noir. This description follows the product name, so please check the category tag.