We're not big on turkey, so we roasted a duck. This went well with the bird:
2011 Belle Pente Pinot Noir, Belle Pente Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton (Oregon):
I enjoyed my visit to Belle Pente several years ago, and was glad to find this in a NJ shop. Not sure if Oregon PN shuts down the way that Burgundy does, so I thought I would give this a try. The color was a mid-light carmine, not looking particularly young, and, with a bit of coaxing, a nice PN nose. This is pretty fresh and electric, requiring a couple hours in the glass to show at its best. Not crazy rich or extracted, like many CA PNs, this is good now, but could probably be kept for another decade as well. I see the 2014 version in the market now - does anyone know what kind of vintage that was in OR?
Andresen 'Royal Choice' 20 year Porto:
This is a smaller Port house known more for their tawnies and Colheitas than for vintage ports (the latter seems to be more of an obsession with Anglo-American port lovers; the Portuguese like tawnies). A mid-light amber with red tints, aroma of walnuts. Long, very nutty with dried fruits, orange peel, wood, and a smooth, seamless, finish. Good stuff, although I think Ferrieira 20 year tawny may be my favorite of this type.
2014 Jocelyn & Yves Lafoy, Alliance Syrah, IGP Collines Rhodainnes:
This is Syrah grown on granitic soils produced by a young estate, which also has holdings in Cote Rotie and Condrieu. Not super dark, but youthful color, as one might expect. A slightly floral nose, but pretty restrained. Very zippy on the palate, with some dusty fruit and a touch of leather. Better with food and extensive swirling. Well made, lighter bodied syrah (12.5% abv) - it might be worth checking out the Cote Roties from this producer, as they appear to be well priced.
2015 Sheldrake Point Pinot Gris, Finger Lakes:
This was my favorite from what I tasted when I visited this producer last month. I'm not normally a PG lover, but this might be one of the best examples produced in the FL from this grape. This is a big wine (14% abv, but not showing it) and has a pretty intense pinkish, brassy color, considering it is a young white. Pears on the nose, with stone fruits and spices (nutmeg?) on the palate, and a lingering, slightly astringent note on the finish. Good stuff, and a step up from the neutral, meh PG usually produced in the area.
