Jul
18
Written by:
John Gerum
7/18/2009 5:02 PM
Great Pinot Noirs
create lasting impressions in the memory. Its aroma and bouquet is often one of
the most complex of all wines and can be intense with a ripe, strawberry,
raspberry and black cherry aroma. The bouquet includes a sense of spiciness that
reminds one of cinnamon, nutmeg and truffle. Tomato, mushroom, earthiness and a
musky barnyard are also common descriptors for a typical Pinot Noir. It can be
full-bodied and rich without being heavy and high in alcohol. The best examples
are not acidic or tannic but smooth, silky and very well balanced.
The
Okanagan can produce some good examples of Pinot but the best examples are found
in Burgundy, France, Oregon, California and New Zealand. These areas produce
world class Pinot Noirs which are highly sought after by wine lovers around the
world.
Here are some favourites that are available in BC that display
all the great aromas and taste associated with Pinot Noir.
New Zealand is known throughout the world as a top producer of
Sauvignon Blanc. It is also generally known as a cool climate wine producing
country so pinot grows well in three regions, Marlborough, Central Otago and
Martinborough.
Churton, Pinot Noir, 2006 hails from Marlborough
and is loaded with black cherry, earthy spice and ripe raspberry extract. This
medium bodied wine is perfectly balanced with fine tannins and a long caressing
finish.
Hailing from Central Otago
Gibbston Valley, Gold River
Pinot Noir, 2007 introduces a sweet herbal and red berry and cherry
aroma followed by a velvety smooth and earthy component. The acid levels in this
wine are perfect and one of the best Pinots for the price I have tasted in a
while. This wine is already sold out in New Zealand!
Another winner is
Cristom Vineyards, Mt. Jefferson Pinot Noir, 2006 from Oregon.
Full bodied, creamy and elegant this wine features a well balanced and lengthy
finish. Rich fruit and a spicy edge round out this complex wine at an affordable
price point.
The French still have the best Pinots in the world and the
prices for top Burgundies can be prohibitive. That is why the
Patrice
Rion, Bourgogne, 2006 is a "value" Pinot Noir. Ripe raspberry and dark
cherry flavors are introduced which leads to a slightly smoky and forest earth
bouquet. All the components are here, balance and a mild yet complex
finish.