Medium ruby color; cherry, black raspberry, mushroom, vanilla, coconut, vanilla, sweet spice, violets on the nose and palate.
Dry; soft tannins with amiable balancing acidity (3.79 pH). Medium body. Grapes primarily come from Monterey County’s Arroyo Grande region, some from Santa Barbara region. The wine spend six months in American oak. This is pinot for under $20, which means it comes from various vendors and not their top quality grapes. Legally, there also could be up to 25% of non-pinot grapes, although this drinks like it has significant pinot noir content. The website does not address these issues, but this drinks like a standard under $20 California pinot. Serviceable, certainly, and excellent for mid-week pizza wine or second bottle. You do not get etherial delights with delicate layers of flavors and complexity—you have to pay more for that.
This is finished only in American oak, which is different from several other 1000 Stories wines that spend time in both American and French oak, and a small amount—5%—in used and heavily charred bourbon barrels. French oak is a more standard pinot noir play. American oak is more assertive than French oak and classically imparts vanilla, coconut, and sweet spice flavors to wine. Those flavors are present in this effort. The lack of caramel flavor indicates bourbon barrels were not used. Sebastain Donoso and Margaret Leonardi are the winemakers. 14.5% ABV
1000 Stories is owned by the Chilean wine giant Concha y Toro. It is the largest producer and exporter in Latin America and one of the top-ten wine companies in the world, selling more than 33 million cases in more than 135 countries. It owns vineyards in Chile, Argentina, and the United States. The winemaker has a long commitment to responsibility and sustainability. In 2015, they were among the world’s first wineries to earn B Corp certification. In 2016, they were the world’s first to achieve True Zero Waste certification.
Continuing the feel-good, warm-fuzzy department, 1000 Stories features a bison on its label and actively supports the Wildlife Conservation Society’s efforts to increase the free-range bison herd in North America. The website states: “Wildlife Conservation Society has built a network of experts and strong relationships with ranchers and Native American tribes in an effort to restore natural habitats for the bison population. 1000 Stories proudly supports these efforts and works with WCS to develop programs to reintroduce bison into healthy environments where they may thrive and contribute to the ecosystems once again.”
1000 Stories American Barrel Aged Pinot Noir 2021 is a solid budget-friendly, everyday pinot noir. While 1000 Stories is noted for aggressive and imaginative use of oak, and there certainly is an American oak presence here, but it is not obnoxious or obviously used to cover up flaws in the wine. The wine also is a reasonable 14.5% ABV, top end for most pinots, but this does not come across as too hot or out of balance. Standard fruit—cherry, black raspberry. A serviceable, more than good-enough wine for the price. Pair with grilled salmon and other rich fish. Honey-glazed, roasted lamb chops. Bacon-wrapped venison. Roasted poultry—duck, turkey, chicken, goose. Lighter cuts of beef. Earthy vegetables and mushroom-based dishes. Cheese—creamy cheeses—brie, camembert, triple cream cheese; gruyère, comté, medium-aged gouda. On charcuterie board, include cherries and raspberries, almonds and walnuts. $18-19