I had lunch at Bleu Olive in Durham and the list of wines by the glass had no vintages listed. I asked the bartender what vintage but didn't write it down immediately as I should have so I'm not sure but think it was from 2014. This Pinot Noir rose' wine from the Loire Valley was an orange color with coral shading, almost a deeper pumpkin color and clear and bright in the glass. The finish was of medium length and a bit astringent. On the taste buds I would describe the flavor as persimmon. I was looking for some strawberry notes but didn't find any. It was food-friendly with a turkey and avocado wrap (I had started the meal with a small bowl of avgolemono soup.)
I participated in a wine tasting at Westgate Wine in Raleigh. I had already purchased some of the 2012 Foley Estates Two Sisters Lindsay's Vineyard Pinot Noir but tasted it again. The grapes are grown in the Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, CA. The wine is bright and appealing with cherry and cranberry notes.
2011 Dry River Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand. I found this slightly austere with a high-toned nose, long finish and Morello cherries. One of the sales representatives liked this better than the Two Sisters--I preferred the Two Sisters.
2011 Reuling Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, CA. I had liked this at a previous tasting but passed it up due to the price. This time I loosened the pursestrings and bought a bottle. 14% abv. Dark cherries, medium finish, large mid-palate. I will post in more detail when I open my bottle.
An afternoon of Pinot samplings--not a bad way to pass some time.