Fred hosted our local wine group last week, theme was “Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Oregon, or California.”
He had made a great chicken liver pate and salmon mouse, and had cheeses, sausages, etc as well. A couple of openers
2011 Bize Bourgogne Blanc
This had such a steely/minerally note that I thought as first it might be a good dry Alsace. Very well done. B+
2009 Doudet Pernand-Vergelesses blanc
This was rounder, close to flabby, and too marked by oak. C+/B-
On to the blind reds:
Pinot Noir # 1- pretty, light, I guessed Cote de Beaune right off the bat, but was surprised by appellation (I though Volnay). Fragrant/floral, just a hint of barnyard, showing quite well. Never heard of producer before. 1998 Domaine des Verlieres Corton-Renardes B+/A-
Pinot Noir # 2- no guesses from me, one of mine. Group got new world quickly. Intense kirsch flavors, huge red fruit, big wine but with surprising (to me) acidity. Obvious but not overwhelming oak. Acidity keeps it from being jammy, I like more than previous Kistler PNs.
2008 Kistler “Cuvee Elizabeth” Pinot Noir B-/C+
Pinot Noir # 3- my other wine. Most guessed Burgundy though Ned went Oregon (who woulda thunk I’d bring TWO Calis?). Guesses were 5 years old. Raspberry and cherry fruit, lots of spice, a little sandalwood. 2003 Arcadian Francesca's Pinot Noir B+
Pinot Noir # 4- red fruits, some tannin, some spice, I vacillated between Burgundy and Oregon and eventually opted for latter. This is young and could use some time. Not a bad effort for a non-fave producer. 2012 Frederic Esmonin “Lavaux Saint Jacques: Gevrey-Chambertin 1er B/B+
Pinot Noir # 5 - one of my faves this night. Nice middleweight, black cherries, some earth. .
2012 Adelsheim Pinot Noir. B+
Pinot Noir # 6- tart and tight. Lots of acid, a bit of tannin, fruit seems a bit closed down. I got Burg but was thinking maybe Chalonaise.
2005 Domaine and Selection Volnay B-?
Pinot Noir # 7- fresh light and open, I thought a lighter styled Oregon. Good for level.
2012 Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Rouge B
And the bonus bottle :
2002 Chateau de la Maltroye Chassagne-Montrachet 1er cru
Big ‘02 fruit, a bit of oak, a touch of Chassagne rusticity, my palate was shot by now. I thought B/B+ some others loved.
Very fun night with the guys.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. 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.