More Pinot Noir
My recent experiences with the Cono Sur Pinot Noirs from Chile have led me to pursue this grape. Two bottles opened last night: one, a rather better Chilean Pinot Noir; the second, an agreeable effort from California.Secano Pinot Noir 2006 Leyda Valley, Chile
From Vina Leyda, this wine has usurped Cono Sur's cheapie as the world's best value Pinot Noir. It has a lovely sweet cherry and berry fruit nose which is perfumed, with a bit of spice and some subtle herbiness. Forward and quite elegant. The palate is smooth with elegant cherry fruit. It's simple and primary, but there's some spice and again a bit of herbiness. Just a hint of green sappiness, but it doesn't clamp down too much on the bright fruit. Delicious. Very good+ 89/100 (£6.99 Marks & Spencer)
From Vina Leyda, this wine has usurped Cono Sur's cheapie as the world's best value Pinot Noir. It has a lovely sweet cherry and berry fruit nose which is perfumed, with a bit of spice and some subtle herbiness. Forward and quite elegant. The palate is smooth with elegant cherry fruit. It's simple and primary, but there's some spice and again a bit of herbiness. Just a hint of green sappiness, but it doesn't clamp down too much on the bright fruit. Delicious. Very good+ 89/100 (£6.99 Marks & Spencer)
Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve Pinot Noir 2005 California
From the North Coast, Monterey and Santa Barbara; aged in a mix of new and old French and American oak. This is quite a pale cherry red colour, which is reassuring, and it has a sweet nose of cherry and red berry fruit with a spicy, slightly roasted vanilla oak overlay. The palate is soft with sweet ripe fruit complemented by some spicy vanilla from the oak. It tastes like Pinot and has some elegance, but might be better with a touch less oak. Still, a nice wine. Very good+ 89/100 (UK retail c. £10)
From the North Coast, Monterey and Santa Barbara; aged in a mix of new and old French and American oak. This is quite a pale cherry red colour, which is reassuring, and it has a sweet nose of cherry and red berry fruit with a spicy, slightly roasted vanilla oak overlay. The palate is soft with sweet ripe fruit complemented by some spicy vanilla from the oak. It tastes like Pinot and has some elegance, but might be better with a touch less oak. Still, a nice wine. Very good+ 89/100 (UK retail c. £10)
Labels: california, Chile, pinot noir
posted by Jamie @ 12:10 PM
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6 Comments:
Coincidentally in yesterday's FT, Jancis Robinson writes about pinot noir and how many countries are producing more of the "wine lover's grape". She mentions specific wines from Germany, Slovenia, Italy, Austria and Argentina whilst making reference to the USA, Chile, NZ etc.
I opened a couple of NZ pinots last night to go with the lamb shanks we were sharing with friends. Both were 2005 from the Marlborough region, the first produced by Cable Bay and the second from Babich. I thoroughly enjoyed the silkiness and fruit in both.
Whilst you're focusing on Pinot, I'd be interested to know if you've tried the "Veranda" Pinot Noir that Virgin Wines are pushing at the moment. I thought it was great value, with a great deal more class than most new world examples.
The Secano Pinot Noir is an old favourite of mine - the best High Street Pinot under a tenner (although I thought that the 05 showed more weight and complexity than the 06)
Off topic, when will we see the write-up on your Margaret River trip and tasting?
Colin, I've had and enjoyed Cable bay before.
Anon, no, not tried Veranda
Shon, shortly is the answer. Sory I can't be more specific!
Secano Pinot Noir is one of the most elegant wines i've ever tried, was recommended this fantastic wine from a devilishly handsome young man and have been interested in the "grape" ever since. I would be interested in trying out more pinots in the future.
The Veranda Pinot Noir is delicious...and I stumbled across this site trying to find some to buy as Virgin Wines are currently out of stock...As soon as Virgin Wines gets some more of it in I'll be buying a case or two.
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