15 Dec Polarizing Pinot Noir – 2021 Meiomi
No one wine is going to please everyone.
That’s a given.
Everyone has their own palette.
There is no specific Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon or
any other particular bottle that will satisfy
all of the people all of the time.
Since the inception of this site five years ago,
one of our priorities has been to seek out wines that we believe…
at least we hope…
will be enjoyed by the majority of those who read PTWG.
Occasionally, we come across a wine
that checks some of the boxes,
i.e, it’s sells for less than $30 and is easy to find.
But it also splits the crowd,
eliciting diametrically opposed opinions
depending on who’s doing the
tasting and the talking.
For these polarizing wines,
some will love them while others will loathe them.
That’s when it starts to get fun.
We’re checking out one such wine in this post.
So get ready to pick your side.
It’s Wine Thursday!
Every Thursday, we check out a wine that’s reasonably priced
and is easy to find at your store or online.
This week we’re looking under the hood of a wine that
can be characterized as a “New World” Pinot Noir.
Where it’s from
With the state animal, the grizzly bear, prominently displayed on the front label,
Meiomi makes it clear that they are a California producer.
Meiomi’s main winery is located near Lodi in the San Joaquin Valley
but they have wine-making facilities…and they source grapes…
from throughout the entire state.
Fun fact: Meiomi was founded by the Walker family
who also started the cult fave winery, Caymus.
The Walkers sold Meiomi to Constellation Brands a few years ago
for $315 million.
What it is
First, let’s sort out “New World” vs. “Old World”.
In general, Old World Pinot Noir is considered to be delicate, earthy and restrained.
Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Burgundy from France
are typically categorized as Old World.
On the other hand, New World Pinot is usually bold,
heavily-oaked, lower in acid and higher in alcohol.
New World Pinot is typically produced in warmer regions.
Meomi’s version, a blend of grapes from Sonoma, Monterey
and Santa Barbara, lines up with the New World taste profile.
It’s full of jammy, dark red fruit flavors up front with
tobacco, cinnamon and vanilla notes at the finish.
It’s easy to mistake it for a Cabernet Sauvignon or
a warm-climate red blend…two varieties that many
wine drinkers prefer…which might explain why
Meiomi seemingly has as many champions as detractors.
Those who prefer a lighter, vibrant more nuanced wine
will probably struggle with Meiomi.
Those who lean toward a “bigger” wine
with pronounced fruit flavors and fuller body
will most likely enjoy it.
I suggest you give it a spin.
After the first glass, you’ll know where you weigh in
on the “New World vs. Old World” scale.
Where to buy it
Meomi Pinot Noir is widely distributed.
It’s at Costco for $14.49. The price at Total Wine is $16.97.
You’ll find it at Walmart, Fred Meyer and QFC for $18.98.
Target, Trader Joe’s and Ralphs all carry it for $19.99.
Safeway’s price is $22.99.
You can order it from Woods Wholesale Wine for $16.87
https://www.woodswholesalewine.com
The price at Plum Market Wine is $17.97
https://www.plummarket.com/store/
Gary’s Wine & Marketplace has it for $19.17
The price at Vine Republic is $19.18
and Wine Library carries it for $19.99