| August 22, 2008 | ||
| 5:00 pm | to | 8:00 pm |
The Pinot Challenge
Friday Night Flight
August 22nd Tasting Fee: $17
Everyone likes Oregon Pinot Noir, liking other Pinot Noir is the challenge. You can call this the Pinot Olympics, Pinot Throw Down, or even Pinot Envy. Either way, I know when there is a Pinot Noir tasting that people usually get more amped up about the tasting than usually. Believe it or not, that puts a lot of pressure on picking out the wines, which can be challenging sometimes. Some of you will remember the Hirsch Pinot Noir from the Sexy Wine Tasting; that was no fluke. You were supposed to like it. A great pinot noir that was elegant with surprising depth that came from California. It was suppose to highlight the fact that there are many great Pinot Noir wines to try. So, maybe the tasting can be renamed The Pinot Noir Soiree. Either way, this tasting is to highlight some great Oregon Pinot, while also introducing you to some other great Pinot Noir.
2006 Westrey Pinot Noir Abbey Ridge Vineyard ($34.50)
The vineyard is located in the Red Hills of Dundee. It is one of the highest vineyards in the area and is harvest somewhat later than others. The oldest vines were planted in 1976, where the youngest were planted in 1990. No tasting note at this time.
2006 Brooks Pinot Noir ‘Janus’ ($34)
Winery Note: “Classic aromas of dusty bing cherries, ripe raspberries, minerals, cassis, violets and juicy blackberries leap from the glass. Warmer more complex aromas of baking spices and curry emerge with further aeration. In the mouth the attack opens the wine on the palate with a burst of juicy red fruits and beautiful focus. The red fruit quality is soon enveloped by a wonderful mineral/wet stone presence that is wrapped around a firm, but ripe tannic core. On the finish the wine hits its stride and blossoms with richness and intensity, a hallmark of a classic Pinot Noir that is built to age gracefully.”
2005 Melville Pinot Noir Estate ($32)
Wine Advocate #192 90 Points “The 2005 Pinot Noir Estate possesses pure blueberry and raspberry fruit as well as an elegant, medium-bodied style with good freshness, acidity, and length. It should drink nicely for up to a decade.”
1997 Kalin Cellars Pinot Noir DD ($45)
Wine Advocate #174 91 Points ” The Burgundy-styled 1997 Pinot Noir Cuvee DD exhibits smoky, gamy, forest floor, herb, fresh mushroom, meat, plum, fig, and cherry characteristics. Made in a northern Cote de Nuits style with zesty acidity, ripe tannin, and a dark plum/garnet color, this beautiful wine should last for another decade. Terry Leighton must be the most singular and distinctive wine producer in California, and we’re all better off for it.”
2005 Thierry Violot Guillemard Platieres 1er ($60) (Vineyard planted in 1936)
Burghound Issue 26 (89-91 Points) “Tasting note: An expressive, highly complex and densely fruited nose of red pinot and gorgeous nuances of violets and plum combine with stylish, pure, sweet, round and entirely civilized medium full flavors that are supported by a textured, vibrant and punchy finish. While more understated than most Pommard 1ers, this has enough robustness on the finish to let you know that the wine hasn’t forgotten its origins.”
Bonus Pour $8
2006 Jean Marc MIllot Clos Vougeot Grand Cru ($110)
From a .38ha of Grand Maupertuis
Burghound Issue 29 (90-92) “Tasting note: Mild reduction cannot completely hide the earthy and spicy dark berry fruit aromas that possess plenty of underbrush, forest floor and sauvage nuances that continue onto the rich, full and sweet flavors that are more elegant and refined than the typical example of Clos de Vougeot, all wrapped in a slightly austere finale of excellent length. This is a Clos de Vougeot of finesse, which is relatively rare.”
