Pinot Noir

Dec 122010
 
2008 Russian River, CA  (s) $35 – $75 — Rating 93

The 2008 offering is even better than the wonderful 2007 . This Pinot Noir is approachable from the time the cork pops and is an excellent food pairing wine. Don Blackburn said about Emeritus, “It won’t be a wine that will try to knock your socks off, but a wine instead, that will attempt to seduce you, and make you glad that it did.”   Let this beauty seduce you. Emeritus Pinot is normally only found in restaurants ($70-$75) but can be found at Internet retailers for $35-$40.

Dec 062010
 
2008 Sonoma Coast, CA $35 — Rating 90

The other night I was in the mood for a great Pinot and friend suggested Benovia Sonoma Coast. This is a very well made Pinot Noir that has a juicy mouthfeel and is very well balanced. Just a damn nice Pinot.

Dec 052010
 
2007 Green River Valley – Russian River Valley, CA $35 — Rating 88

Orogeny from the Green River Valley in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma, is a big meaty Pinot Noir. One that we enjoy often. The flavors of dark fruit and spice are nicely balanced when at cellar temperature. Not so balanced if it gets warm. Often we are able to find Orogeny in restaurants at a very reasonable markup. Plus isn’t the word Orogeny just fun to say? Serve with duck or roasted turkey.

Nov 262010
 
Las Alturas Vineyard- 2008 Monterey, CA $44 — Rating 5.0

Another great wine from Belle Glos. Very full bodied, structured yet supple. Wonderful dark berry flavors and spice. This rich Pinot Noir could command my attention all night. It paired very well with our Thanksgiving smoked turkey. W.E. rated this Pinot Noir 90…I’d say 92. Check out this video on Las Alturas Vineyard

Nov 022010
 
 2007 – Oregon $22 — Rating 3.5

This lovely little Pinot is a go-to staple on the Bacchus and Beery patio. Cloudline is well priced and when we find it on sale (sometimes as low as $15), we load up. The wine is fruit forward with very soft tannins with flavors of cherries, blackberries and red fruits.