The Mark West Pinot Noir has long been a staple of Notes Of Note, and several vintages have been covered in these pages (just do a quick search) previously if you’ve got some Magellan in your blood. This is the first 2012; somehow we went from the ’11 to the ’13 until this weekend.

2012 Mark West Pinot Noir, California, USA.

Compared to the 2011 Stemmler Pinot covered here last week, the West is much lighter in color and in its fruit forwardness. Yes the West is even, but I’m slightly biased toward the Stemmler in overall quality. The 2012 Mark West is a fine, affordable option for Pinot Noir but when you have others to compare and contrast it doesn’t quite measure up. And that’s okay; not every wine can be an over-the-top tasting experience.

I had a glass Friday evening after returning home from work travel, and the rest found its way to our Saturday evening bonanza. The latter consisted of grilled turkey burgers, treated generously with blue cheese, sautéed and/or raw red onions, and a mustard-washed lettuce mix along with one of our potato favorites. The Mark West did not fill you up; that role was covered by the delicious (and healthy!) burgers.

Next trip to our local store I’m going to grab another bottle of this Pinot Noir as it’s a safe, middle-of-the-road option whenever the prospect of a Malbec or Cab is just a bit heavier. You’d do well to do the same.