Dreaming Tree Pinot Noir

Alcohol Name: Dreaming Tree

Alcohol Type: Pinot noir

Alcohol Content: 13.5%, 27 Proof

Price Point: Low-Mid, $10-$12, available at most retailers

Nose: Caramel, vanilla, red berries

Flavor Profile: Toasted oak, cherry

Bottom Line: This is a surprisingly complex Pinot noir that would be great for pairing but manages to work as a standalone just fine.

Dreaming Tree is a collaboration between California winemaker Sean McKenzie and Dave Matthews. I usually tend to stay away from collaborations like this because they often increase the price of wine without any increase to quality. This wine does not follow that pattern on either account.

For the full body that this wine has, it comes off very smooth and light. The color is a dark ruby red and the nose is filled with caramel, vanilla, and red berries like strawberry and cherry. The flavors are just as pleasant as the nose with notes of juicy cherry and a finish of toasted oak.

I admit that Pinot noir is not normally a wine that I drink without a meal. To me it makes a wonderful pairing wine, but usually falls short alone. Dreaming Tree has opened me up to trying other Pinot noir wines as it is more complex than I expected in the best kind of way.