TN: Rex Goliath Pinot Noir

Apr 02, 2004 8 Replies

Betsy's working tonight, and David and I were having leftovers (his paternal grandmother had brought him dinner the night before- she's Japanese and cooks a good if slightly bizarre combo of Japanese, Polish, and "american" cuisines). I stared at the mostly filled bottle of Villa Puccini oakjuice, but couldn't convince myself to try again- maybe it'll be used for cooking. Instead I thought it was time to try the 2001 HRM Rex Goliath Giant 47 Pound Rooster Central Coast Pinot Noir (hey,. maybe longest non-German wine name I've ever typed). It got some good press here, and the price is hard to beat ($5.99 at Varmax before 10% discount, whee hoo!). Dick, Ed, and Mark S. have all weighed in, it's my turn.



Nice hint of damp earth at the nose, ripe ripe (ok, overripe) red fruit on the palate. Kind of raspberry meets cherry cough syrup. Descriptors are sounding like I like it less than I actually do. Plenty of fruit, light vanilla-ey oak. Finish is quite short, but what do you want for $5.40?



Good points: Tastes like pinot (albeit overripe Pinot) Earth Clear fruit $5.40



Bad Points: Too soft, better acidity would definitely help here Short finish



Verdict: B, which at this price point means I'll probably buy more. Good wine to have around in the "cheap enough to cook with, good enough to put out on table at big party" category.



Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Dale



Dale Williams Drop "damnspam" to reply


And, if you liked that, be sure to try the Merlot (which I've come to like more than the PN as I've worked through my second case), and the Cabernet Sauvigon (which starts a bit harsh but with an hour of airing becomes quite respectable), and the Chardonnay (which has all the blatant in-your-face punch of an Aussie Chard.)

All have come across to me as incredible value at the price point and perfect for that "open another bottle" or "time for a taste with a good book before the fireplace" moment.

Of course, I've only had a little more than six cases worth of experience with the wine so far, and it may not hold up to long term cellaring.....but so what?

Ed Rasimus Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret) "When Thunder Rolled" Smithsonian Institution Press ISBN #1-58834-103-8

Will keep an eye out, though I think my store only had the PN. Thanks. Dale

Dale Williams Drop "damnspam" to reply

want for $5.40?

I was in Orlando, FL during March break and couldn't find it at an ABC store. Was I looking in the wrong place?

Larry Southern Ontario

On 02 Apr 2004 02:16:37 GMT, snipped-for-privacy@aol.comdamnspam (Dale Williams)

I was in Orlando, Fl during March Break and couldn't find this 'treasure" I went to an ABC store. Was I looking in the wrong places?

Larry Southern Ontario

Larry wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

For what it is worth I find the big Rooster in Grocery stonres and haven't noticedit much at the ABC. It is selling at our local Harris Teeter for 7.99 a bottle (Jacksonville area)

Yes, you should have looked in a Publix supermarket.

pavane

in article Xns94BFB873CC674225stellar@216.196.97.136, jcoulter at snipped-for-privacy@nowhere.com wrote on 4/2/04 3:07 PM:

Cost Plus World Market (which has stores in many US states) carries Rex Goliath. Here in Southern California they carry Chardonnay, Merlot and Cab, but not the Pinot. The Pinot seemed to have gotten the best reviews here until now and I've had to search a bit but found it at Whole Foods Market.

Another sleeper value being touted around here lately is Cline's "Red Truck" Mourvedre/Syrah blend @ $8.99. I just picked up a couple of bottles (at Cost Plus) but haven't tried it yet.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required