Betsy was in city for taxes and opera, I was in charge of dinner for Dave and me. I decided on a coq au vin meets cacciatore style dish, and pondered the wines. I was thinking PN, but had none that I wanted to sacrifice most of a bottle. Therefore, opened 2 and used a cup of each for the chicken. Then we sampled both with dinner, and afterwards
2005 Warm Lake Pinot Noir (Niagara Escarpment)
My first Niagara PN, courtesy of Howie Hart. Light color, high acidity, a bit of prickliness. Obviously cooler climate (reminds me a bit of good Alsace PN or Spatburgunder). Raspberries, red plums, a hint of vanilla. Good length, a nice wine. B
2001 Michel Lafarge Bourgogne
So 2001 has a much better rep in the CdNuits than the CdBeaune, mostly due to hail. Savigny seems pretty solid, but Pommard and Volnay are spotty, and these vines are just outside Volnay lines. Well, this is one CdB that I'd drink all week. Lighter framed, with clean zippy acidity and pure red cherry fruit. Actually this little Bourgogne AC still has a little tannic grip, and overall the wine is a lovely example of Burgundian balance. Pure, precise, and pretty. B+
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.