2009 Lucky Star Pinot Noir (California)

Hello!! We enjoyed this pleasant little wine with rabbit pie tonight. The color was garnet, and as expected with a pinot noir, not too deep or intense. The nose was of raspberry and vanilla. The flavors were raspberry, cherry and vanilla with soft tannins and very soft acidity. It was very fruit forward and pretty sweet when first opened. As it opened in the glass, it softened and the flavors became less intense and better integrated. This wine was $8.79 at Campbell Station Wine and spirits. Considering the price, this is not bad. It's very young and fruity, reminiscent of a beaujolais nouveau. I thought it lacked structure and complexity. Of course, it is a 2009 vintage and what do you expect from an $8 wine? I would prefer this to a beaujolais with my turkey. It would be good for a party, especially if you have friends that are not big wine drinkers. It's so soft and easy drinking that many people would really enjoy it.