I wanted to buy a cheaper Pinot Noir from the New World to compare with similar price point Old World Burgundy that I have reviewed. I was hoping to find better value as it would seem red Burgundy under £10 is worth avoiding.

I came across 'Nostros' Pinot Noir Reserva 2008 by Indomita in my local Cambridge Wine Merchants . It looked like an ideal candidate.

A well packaged screw top with an artistic splash of Jackson Pollock meets Gerald Scarfe for the label. A low sloped and gentle bottle that is both easy on the eye as well as standing out on the shelves.

This Chilean Pinot Noir is from Casablanca region, perfect for a fragile grape, as the delicate vines are provided with a cooling system from the Humboldt Current. Natural air conditioning.

On pouring, it was that typical light fresh Pinot Noir colour, almost a dark rose. To taste there was immediately a huge difference from Bouchard Aine et Fils, Red Burgundy 2007 and Blason De Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes De Beaune 2008 in the alcohol content. A jump from 12.5% to 14.5%ABV.

But is was altogether a much more enjoyable wine. Those subtle Pinor Noir aromas were still there, but the acidity of the wine was only a background effect, not too dominating. I really enjoyed it and did not think in this case the high alcohol levels detracted from the wine. It was well balanced, which echoed the clever packaging.

Now to the price. I paid £6.49 (£5.62 each if I had purchased a case) on the High Street, but this bottle is a perfect example of price fluctuations in the market, and how the 'big boys' are not always the most competitive. For example while most other sellers on the Internet are also asking from £5.50 to £6.50, Virgin Wines want £7.99. That's well over £1.00 more. Just because a wine seller has buying power does not necessarily mean great deals on good wine.

Always shop around, and certainly do not rule our your local High Street wine merchant for a bargain price.

This wine at under £7.00 is amazing value for a solid Pinot Noir. Get out there and buy it.

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