Booze by Design - Upper Eden 2013 Pinot Noir

Pinot Noirs are not my go to red, but passing by this bottle at the store I had to step back and grab it. I love the geometric pattern that blends into the scene of the sun setting over a village. The bold colors of blue are also striking and uncommon for wine labels. I like the small, modern typeface that lets the illustration take center stage. 

This Pinot Noir is from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in California. I popped the cork, which was nicely stained and smelled very fruit forward. While seeming promising at first with the smell, the first sip seemed good at first but finished sweet. The taste of alcohol also comes through in an unpleasant way. Decent tannins and strong notes of brambles. The color seems a slightly darker purple than what one would expect. The wine held up a little bit better with food, but not enough to want to finish the last glass left in the bottle after dinner. 

While this wine has a fantastic label, unfortunately the wine itself doesn't live up to the same high esteem.