Pinot Noir Tasting: Sept. 30, 2017

Mas La Chevalière Pinot Noir Laroche, Pays d’Oc  2014

Regular Price $17.99

Sale Price $13.99

Bright and juicy, this unoaked Pinot from the southwest of France is simple and refreshing. It’s easy cherry flavors and integrated tannins make it a wine of pleasure rather than distinction.

Philippe Gavignet Pinot Noir, Bourgogne 2015

Regular Price $28.99

Sale price $22.99

Refined and polished, this well-made Pinot Noir shows the fruit forward style of the warm ‘15 vintage.  Densely flavored with dark cherry and plum, the spice and floral notes are not overpowered by the fruit. The wine doesn’t waltz but does satisfy

Martin Ray Pinot Noir, Sonoma County 2016

Regular Price $23.99

Sale Price $18.99

New world Pinot Noir with lush black cherry, violet and vanilla flavors. The fruit dominates, which may not be a bad thing. This is an attractive wine that speaks loudly but not obnoxiously

Mongeard-Mugneret, Fixin 2014

Regular Price $44.99

Sale price $35.99

The wine is shy at first, with dried cherry hidden by stone and earth notes. This is not a wine to call attention to itself, rather it seduces as it opens and unfolds in the glass. Medium bodied, its firm tannins and understated flavors stay in the mouth longer than one would expect. Unpretentious yet serious

Thibault Liger-Belair “Les Grands Chaillots”, Bourgogne 2014

Regular Price $37.99

Sale price $29.99

An exceptional wine, this is a full and focused Pinot Noir that drinks better than its pedigree. Firm and generously flavored, the bold fruit is balanced by sturdy tannins and persistent acidity. The wine develops nicely in the glass and shows interesting complexity as the bottle empties.

St. Innocent Pinot Noir ‘Villages Cuvee’, Willamette Valley  2015

Regular Price $32.99

Sale price $25.99

Oregon Pinot Noir is often lauded as ‘Burgundian’, which I think is largely untrue. It’s really its own thing, as this well made wine illustrates. Boldly fruit forward, its well balanced and multi-dimensional. Nicely layered with fruit, spice and wood, the wine nonetheless manages a dexterity that belies its new world origins