WTN: Volnay vs. California

[Jenise]

2012 Domaine Jessiaume Volnay 1er Cru Les Brouillards Pinot Noir
Drinks very well now without decanting. Excellent aromas, easy mouthfeel, cherry and red licorice notes with cherry pie spice, not herbal but there's something savory here too, maybe parsley, and it's agreeable. Lighter body than typical of a 1er Cru. I'm a fan of waiting for burgundy but I think this one will be better suited to drinking earlier than later. (CT had a drink by date of like 2028, and I don't agree with that).

2012 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast
So, same vintage, and not a mere Village/county wine, so somewhat similar in this totally stupid, meaningless contest. Nonetheless: saturated dark flavors but all top notes led by a monochromatic, almost sappy sweetness. Especially obvious following the more complex Volnay. Will hold my remaining bottles for 2022 and never buy Rivers Marie wines again.

The Burg wins.

[David M. Bueker]

The Burg wins

A common occurrence

Thanks for notes. I've never heard of Jessiaume before.

[Jenise]

I bought this one from WineBid some time back, but recently and coincidentally Jessiaume reds and whites have shown up in my burgundy-deprived area at supposedly about half price--clearance, distributor dropping the line, no idea. But what's shown up is 1er crus for $25ish. Didn't react in time to nail any of the reds but did get a sixtuplet of a white that I just love. I otherwise know nothing about them.