WTN+Q: Viña Leyda Pinot Noir Las Brisas 2008

In previous vintages I quite enjoyed this little wine: it was cheap, had no new oak, had good acidity and Pinosity.

So what's going on with the 2008? There is a clear aroma of toffeed oak; it tastes harsh and alcoholic. I don't remember noting down the alcohols of previous vintages but it never was bothersome. Here it is 14,5%. The only thing I recognize from past years is the delightfully strong acidity.

Is this just a bad year or, perhaps, a freak bottle though not obviously tainted in any way? Or, as I am now afraid from the noticeable oak, have they changed their style?

The only thing I recognize from past years is the delightfully strong acidity.

You would have mentioned it if you thought it didn't taste natural, but "strong" reads suspiciously to me...

No, strong is fine for acidity. It's the general harshness and the way that the strong acidity isn't meshed with everything else that makes me think this is doctored with. What a shame as it is so difficult to find good Pinot Noir for just 13€ and my memories of previous years are very positive.

Exactly, little point in it being strong if it's not integrated, and if it's strong, it's most likely added.