Mark West Pinot Noir 2012 Wine Review

Mark West Pinot Noir 2012

Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States

Community Score:89/100

Community Reviews: 10

Add My Review

Price: $24.95

Drink: 2013-2017

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 13.8%

Sweetness: Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine

Winery: Mark West

Agent: Arterra Wines Canada Inc.

Natalie's Score: 91/100

A smooth, supple Californian Pinot Noir with lots of toasty oak, mocha, espresso and coffee on the nose from aging in French oak barrels. Silky tannins. The winery is situated above the Salinas Valley. Pair with coffee-rubbed pork chops or a pepper steak. Yum!

This Mark West Pinot Noir 2012 was reviewed on June 5, 2016 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2014 2017 2013

Add New Vintage

Pricing & Stock Information

LCBO
450189
$24.95
Check Stock

BCLDB
318667
$11.55
Check Stock

SAQ
12270921
Check Stock

AGLC
748445
$23.00

ANBL
86003018037
$18.99
Check Stock

Reviews and Ratings

Greg Hughes rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

These Pinot Grapes reaaly demonstrate where they come from. Cool fog in the morning and a hot, long season means they achieve optimal ripeness, aromatics, and freshness. Over half of Santa Lucia AVA is planted to Pinot Noir.
This Pinot has a super delicate colouration - Pale ruby with some purple tones.
Aromatics of toasted marshmallow, morello cherries, cedar bough, cherry candy, and liquorice.
The flavours are explosively fruity - demonstrating it's terroir well. Lots of cherry, cassis, strawberry jam, and subtle coffee notes.
Enjoy this on its own, but if you must, pair it with tuna, or lochs and bagels.

Terry Jeans - Certified S rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

The nose is quite complex with notes of dark cherry, chocolate, maybe a little sage or something savory. The palate is equally complex and delightful with rich cherries, dark chocolate, low tannins and medium acidity. Very nice balance with a juicy finish.

Colin McKone - Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

A light bodied California Pinot Noir with nice aromas of plum, black cherry, cedar, tobacco and raspberry. It has flavours of black cherry, baking spice and raspberry and has low tannins with moderate acidity. Enjoy on its own or paired with light to medium cheeses, salmon, chicken or lighter red meat dishes.

BJ Oudman rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

A sweet little entry level pinot that never fails to impress. Classic barnyard on the nose and strawberry and spice on the palate. Enough body to satisfy the glass on its own, it pairs nicely with roast chicken, grilled salmon or pork loin. I buy this crowd pleaser by the case for those impromptu times when friends drop in unexpectedly.

Lori Kilmartin WSET3 - WSET3 Sommelier rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Mark West's goal was to "craft remarkable California Pinot Noir that delivers exceptional quality at an affordable price" and this wine delivers. Typical aromas of cranberry and raspberries, earth and barnyard. Tart cherry flavours with a touch of sweetness - molasses, brown sugar? Medium acidity and tannins and a lingering finish. This was a gift on Mother's Day from my wonderful husband - and very much appreciated and enjoyed. Tasted - Mother's Day - May 8, 2016.

Douglas McMillan rated this wine as 87/100 with the following review:

Black cherry and plum aromas with a little dried herbs and green leaves. Surprisingly light in the mouth with medium- acidity and very round tannins. Tastes are cherry and herb, with that carrying through to the finish.

Community Reviewer reviewed this wine as follows:

A medium bodied, fruity red that enjoys enticing aromas of dark berries, boysenberries, and raspberries. A sweet entry of brown sugar and molasses is follwed by a bit of orange zest and coriander. The core reveals fleshy plum flavours, with a spicy note of cardamon from oak aging. Rich in texture with a lingering finish.

Source: NB Liquor Stores

Community Reviewer reviewed this wine as follows:

Un vin rouge fruité au corps moyen qui présente des arômes invitants de baies foncées, de mures de Boysen et de framboises. Son entrée sucrée de cassonade et de mélasse est suivie d’un peu de zeste d’orange et de coriandre. Le noyau révcle

Source: NB Magasin d'Alcool

3 Members would buy this wine again

If you liked the Mark West Pinot Noir 2012, you might also like these wines:

Add bottle and/or label shots for this wine
Wineries and agents: Add notes for this wine
Find this wine in other stores

Recipes for Mark West Pinot Noir 2012

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

SAVE MY SEAT!

Wine of the Week

As featured on

Charles Baker White Wine
Riesling 2021,
Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A. ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 333,848 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources. learn more

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,848 strong:

Mark West Pinot Noir 2012 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 91/100

Pricing & Stock Information

Reviews and Ratings