2009 Block Nine Caiden's Vineyards Pinot Noir

This is basically pretty delicious. It will not be everyone's ideal of a really good Pinot Noir under $15, but that's a tall order for the price range. If you like fruitier, more candy-like Pinot Noirs, you'll enjoy this. And if you're not a lover of more earthy, vegetal, or balsamic-flavored red wines, you might particularly appreciate Block Nine.

The flavor starts out like the aftertaste of cherry candy, which is a pretty cool sensation. The flavor recedes, as with many Pinot Noirs, then has a nice mild peppery finish. Comparing this with other good-to-very good sub $15 Pinot Noirs, the 2009 Cycles Gladiator is more vegetal and earthy, the 2008 Hahn Estates Pinot more refined, complex, and edging toward balsamic (while still more of a fruit Pinot Noir). This one's closer to the Mark West Pinot Noirs, but with less chalky flavor and a more candy-like fruit. Not too complex but everything works.

Profile: Minimal to moderate sweetness, moderate and balanced tannins and acidity, medium body.
Flavors: Cherry, black pepper.
Rating: 86
Cost: $13
Value: Fair Price (explanation)