2006 Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Generation Red

Wow, the title for this wine is a mouthful. I have been drinking the Hitching Post Pinot Noirs for several years. I tried them the first time a few years back when the California Central Coast was making its break from Napa and creating its own distinctive wines. I know that it was happening long before that, but it was very regional, as most wine is, and so it was a well established region long before it showed up on my radar.

In any case, I would not recommend this wine. However, it is a fine wine, especially for the price. It is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Refosco and Syrah. It is a strong blend and has a powerful nose and an in your face flavor from the cork popping on. So why not recommend it, well it is a wine for someone who is willing to try something unique that does not fit the mode. Most people who ask me for a recommendation are looking for something that they can relate to. A cab, or pinot or chardonnay. This wine does not fit. I was a nice journey off the beaten path, but if you have read my reviews, you will note that I tend to enjoy wine. Diversity is my spice. The only real issue I had, and again for the price it is not a big quibble, was the finish. It ended with a very bitter taste. Not sure what gave it that hard bite at the end, but it did certainly diminish the experience.

One last comment. The wine includes Refosco grape. It is one I had never heard of. That is not that shocking, but it is always fun to poke around and learn new lessons on wine. It is a grape from the north of Italy and Slovenia. A dark, thick skinned grape that tends to be tannic. I wonder it I have discovered the "bitter" taste afterall.

WR