I had the opportunity, recently, to participate in a Pinot Noir tasting at the home of friends who are die hard Pinot collectors.  We blindly tasted four flights of Pinots, each flight containing a wine from California, Oregon and Burgundy.  This get together was particularly enjoyable for me and my wife as our focus over the years has been more on Bordeaux, Rhone and Tuscany.  This was a wonderful opportunity for us to resource the expertise of those who have immersed themselves in the terroir of this lovely variety.  Here are four of the Pinots that we tasted with the results.

Thomas Pinot Noir, Oregon 2006:

This wine offers a delightful array of red fruits, mild cherry, some spice and mild tannins; a little pine needle and vanilla seem to be weaved in, as well.  The finish is very smooth and elegant.  The wine almost harkens to those of Burgundy.  Thomas Winery is a very small estate producing only a limited volume per vintage (often only a couple of hundred).  John Thomas does it all from planting, pruning, harvesting and winemaking.  His style of Pinot aims for finesse rather than a fruit bomb.  While it’s very difficult to access his wines, some internet searching should direct you to sources. I did happen to stumble upon an offer of $45.  With the ’06 vintage producing ripe and fresh fruit, this is a wine to be consumed now or over the next 5 years.  If you locate some of his wines, consider yourself lucky and then go purchase.

Melville Pinot Noir Estate, Sta. Rita Hills, Sta Barbara, Central Cst 2007:

In contrast to the Thomas, this wine is deep and dark releasing wave after wave of dark fruits of boysenberry, dark cherry and dark raspberry.  There is also an earthy, smoky and herbal character to the wine lending a rustic element.  Tannins are a bit more pronounced than the Thomas, making this wine a very substantial Pinot.  Pricing runs, generally, in the $40’s.  This is simply a great Pinot for the price.  The ‘07’s were available in Tucson but likely will become more scare as they are replaced by the incoming ‘08’s.  Drink now or over the next 5-7 years.  We’ll review the ’08 in future segments so stay tuned.

Fourrier Chambolle Musigny VV, 2005:

Just a beautiful expression of a  Burgundy with a soft red cherry color, lovely sweet red fruits and mild tannins; truly the definition of a feminine wine from the Cote de Nuits region of Burgundy. 

The ’05 vintage was one of the best in the last 30 years across the region, allowing lucky buyers to sample the best of what Burgundy can do.  While the wine isn’t cheap, running in the $80’s, it’s quite reasonable for a quality  Red Burgundy.  You can enjoy this wine now or over the next 5-7 years.  It is not available in Tucson.

Archery Summit Dundee Hills, Arcus Estate, Oregon 2004: 

The ’04 vintage of Oregon Pinot is beautifully balanced and Archery Summit certainly benefited.  The wine is perfectly balanced between dark fruits such as blackberry and even some currant, firm tannins and medium acidity; also some earthiness in the aromatic profile.  The wine can be enjoyed now or over the next 5 years and should be priced around $80-85.  Archery Summit is a vintner that makes its way into Tucson so ask about this wine if you don’t see it.

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Tags: Pinot Noir