October: Pinot Noirs

The assignment: Pinot Noirs from around the world, between $15 and $30.

The players: Alberto the non-Antonio, Radhika the radical, Julieta the jubilant, Teresa the terrific, Andrei the ambidexter, and Roxana the resolute.

The discussion:

Wine 1: sweet, juicy, fruity, young, very pleasant and drinkable, growing more acidic after cheese consumption.

Wine 2: "a walk in the forest," "Disney movies, birds chirping," oaky, simpler and mellower than Wine 1.

Wine 3: complex, heavy, intense, moderately tannic, small bouquet, maintaining vigor even after eating cheeses, hints of plum. "This is for beef."

Wine 4: round, lush, full bodied, fragrant, "not sweet but strong," possible afterthought of oak, most alcoholic of the bunch.

The votes: The group was split between 1 and 4.

The unveiling:

Wine 1: Domaine Alfred 2006 Pinot Noir from Edna Valley, California. 14.5 % alc. vol.

Toasted brioche and Chamisal spice notes waft from the glass to complement the strawberries with cream, mandarin, and black cherry fruit flavors of our Estate Pinot. Dense, mouth-filling and well-structured, this youthful wine finishes cleanly framed by refined oak and grape tannins, and promises to age gracefully. (more)

Wine 2: Red Bicyclette 2007 from Languedoc-Roussillon, France. 13.5% alc. vol.

The 2007 Red Bicyclette® Pinot Noir showcases dark fruit aromas and flavors of black cherry and ripe plum. The light oak influence produces subtle notes of cinnamon for a soft, yet full middle palate and a smooth, luxurious texture. (more)

Wine 3: Louis Jadot 2006, Burgundy, France. 12.5% alc. vol.

It offers a colour of medium intensity, purplish in its youth changing to ruby and then garnet, after several years in bottle. It is harmonious and balanced, with a plump fruitiness and silky texture offset by round, gentle tannins in a wine of medium body and elegant structure. The very typical, fragrant varietal bouquet is complemented by a deliciously lingering finish. (more)

Wine 4: Estancia 2008, Monterey, California. 13.5% alc. vol.

A classically styled Pinot Noir, adopting the Burgundian philosophy of handling the fruit as delicately as possible. The result is a wine which is lusciously fruity with ripe cherries layered with sweet oak, dried flowers, leather, and spice. (more)

The pictures: