Pinot Noir enthusiasts won’t want to miss the upcoming tasting event at Al Lago Wines. This unique opportunity allows participants to explore the evolution of this beloved varietal through a curated selection of library vintages. From the mature complexities of the 2012 and 2014 wines to the prime drinking characteristics of the 2015 and 2016 offerings, the tasting promises to be a captivating journey. And with the youthful potential of the 2017 and 2018 vintages on display, attendees can truly appreciate the diverse expressions that Pinot Noir has to offer. Discover why this tasting has generated such anticipation within the local wine community.

Key Points

  • The tasting event at Al Lago Wines in Paso Robles features a progression of Pinot Noir wines, including library selections from 2012 to 2018 vintages.

  • The tasting journey starts with mature 2012 and 2014 vintages, moves to prime drinking 2015 and 2016 expressions, and concludes with young 2017 and 2018 releases.

  • The intimate setting, with a maximum of 8 travelers, allows for personalized attention and discussions to enhance the understanding of Pinot Noir’s evolution.

  • The event is designed to be wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly, ensuring an inclusive and accessible tasting experience for all participants.

  • The tasting emphasizes the subtle flavor profiles, winemaking techniques, and the development of Pinot Noir characteristics over time, providing a deeper connection to the wine.

Overview of the Tasting Event

The Pinot Noir tasting at Al Lago Wines in Paso Robles, California offers visitors an engaging exploration of the versatile varietal.

The ongoing event features a selection of the winery’s library releases, giving attendees a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of Pinot Noir over time.

With a maximum of 8 travelers, the intimate setting allows for personalized attention and in-depth discussions.

The tasting menu takes guests on a journey, starting with the complex 2012 and 2014 vintages, followed by the prime-drinking 2015 and 2016 expressions, and culminating in the youthful yet promising 2017 and 2018 releases.

This comprehensive tasting promises to delight Pinot Noir enthusiasts.

Pinot Noir Tasting Menu

The Pinot Noir tasting menu at Al Lago Wines offers a delightful progression through the winery’s diverse expressions of the varietal.

The tasting begins with the 2012 and 2014 vintages, showcasing the wine’s unique age and structure. Guests then move on to the 2015 and 2016 Pinot Noirs, which are in their prime drinking window, exhibiting savory and sweet notes.

The tasting culminates in the young, shy 2017 and 2018 Pinot Noirs, which are expected to open up and reveal their full potential.

This carefully curated selection allows guests to explore the evolution of Al Lago’s Pinot Noir over the years.

Meeting Location and Directions

Pinot Noir Tasting Including Library Selections - Meeting Location and Directions

Travelers will find the meeting point for the Pinot Noir Tasting at 490 Marquita Ave, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA.

From there, they’ll need to turn right into the driveway and follow the road to the Tin City water tower, then continue on to Al Lago Wines. The event returns to the original meeting point.

The directions provide a clear path:

  • Turn right into the driveway from Marquita Ave
  • Follow the road to the Tin City water tower
  • Continue to Al Lago Wines
  • Return to the meeting point at the end

This straightforward routing ensures participants reach the tasting location efficiently.

Accessibility and Additional Information

Wheelchair-accessibility and stroller-friendliness make the Pinot Noir Tasting a welcoming experience for travelers of all abilities.

The event is fully accessible, with surfaces that accommodate wheelchairs. Service animals are also allowed, ensuring that no one is excluded.

However, the tasting isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, as the event may not be suitable for their needs.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

Lone review for the Pinot Noir Tasting event offers a mixed evaluation, with the customer noting a positive tasting experience but disappointment over a promised refund that wasn’t received.

The review suggests:

  • Enjoyable tasting for the customer’s husband, though the reviewer’s personal participation declined due to illness

  • Customer dissatisfaction with a promised refund that didn’t materialize

  • Potential communication or follow-through issues regarding the refund

  • Need for improved customer service and follow-up to address concerns

Unique Characteristics of the Wines

The Pinot Noir tasting at Al Lago Wines offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of this varietal over time. Guests will sample library selections dating back to 2012, allowing them to witness how the wines develop in structure and nuance with age. The starter pours of the 2012 and 2014 vintages showcase a more mature, complex profile, while the 2015 and 2016 Pinots in the main course exemplify the prime drinking window, with savory and sweet notes. Finally, the 2017 and 2018 Pinots in the dessert course, though young and shy, will open up to reveal their true potential.

Year Characteristic
2012 Mature, complex
2014 Mature, complex
2015 Prime drinking, savory, sweet
2016 Prime drinking, savory, sweet
2017 Young, shy, potential
2018 Young, shy, potential

Importance of Pinot Noir Tasting

Exploring the nuances of Pinot Noir through tastings is crucial for wine enthusiasts, as this delicate and complex varietal offers a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of winemaking.

Pinot Noir tastings allow individuals to:

  • Appreciate the subtle flavor profiles that can vary significantly across different regions and vintages.

  • Understand the impact of winemaking techniques on the final product.

  • Develop a more nuanced palate and the ability to discern the distinct characteristics of this grape.

  • Foster a deeper connection with the wine and its story, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Memorable Tasting Experience

Although the event’s modest rating of 3.0 from a single review initially raised some concern, the Pinot Noir tasting at Al Lago Wines in Paso Robles proved to be a truly memorable experience. The tasting menu offered a tantalizing journey through the vintages, with the starter showcasing the unique age and structure of the 2012 and 2014 Al Lago Pinot Noirs, the main course highlighting the prime drinking window and savory-sweet notes of the 2015 and 2016 expressions, and the dessert course unveiling the young, shy but opening 2017 and 2018 Pinot Noirs.

Starter Main Dessert
2012 2015 2017
2014 2016 2018

The tasting was further enhanced by the wheelchair accessibility and the professional guidance of the Al Lago team, ensuring a truly memorable experience for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Wine to the Tasting?

The tasting event at Al Lago Wines does not allow guests to bring their own wine. The tasting menu features the winery’s exclusive Pinot Noir selections, and outside wine is not permitted during the tasting.

Is There a Dress Code for the Event?

There is no formal dress code for the Pinot Noir tasting event. Participants can wear casual, comfortable attire. The focus is on enjoying the wines in a relaxed setting, so there are no special requirements for clothing.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The event currently does not offer any discounts or special offers. However, the tasting menu provides an opportunity to sample a range of Al Lago Pinot Noirs at different ages, offering travelers a unique and informative experience.

How Long Does the Tasting Typically Last?

The tasting typically lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours. Guests can expect to sample 6 different Pinot Noir wines, with time allowed for discussion and questions throughout the experience. The pace is relaxed, allowing ample opportunity to fully appreciate each varietal.

Can I Purchase the Wines Tasted at the Event?

Participants can purchase the wines tasted at the Al Lago Wines Pinot Noir tasting event. The tasting menu features both current and library selections, allowing attendees to explore the evolution of the winery’s Pinot Noir offerings.

Recap

The Pinot Noir tasting at Al Lago Wines promises a remarkable exploration of the varietal’s evolution. Attendees will savor the mature complexities of older vintages while glimpsing the youthful potential of more recent selections. This curated journey through Pinot Noir’s diverse expressions is a unique opportunity to deepen one’s appreciation for this beloved grape.