A good Pinot Noir from Pelee Island… Our interest in Pinot Noir continues to grow and this reserve offering from Pelee Island Winery reminds us why. The initial bouquet gave us grilled meat, lots of spices, and alcohol, anything but what one would expect from the varietal. With some time to breathe, however, we enjoyed … Read more
Another excellent offering from the Beamsville Bench… We purchased this Pinot Noir Estate following an incredible wine tasting hosted by Cave Spring’s Marketing and Sales Vice-President, Tom Pennachetti. We have long been fans of the winery and this particular red reminds us why. We enjoyed the fragrant bouquet, a combination of raspberry, leather, cigar box, … Read more
A classic Pinot Noir from Brella in Willamette Valley, Oregon… We enjoyed Brella’s Pinot Noir, a very good representation of the varietal. It offered classic red fruit and mushroom notes, as well as nice degrees of balance and complexity. It shined on its own, but also paired nicely with a creamy, camembert-like cheese from Quebec, … Read more
Another hidden gem from Southern Ontario, a classic Pinot Noir from the Beamsville Bench (Niagara) VQA… This classic, elegant red from Kew Vineyards Estate Winery in Beamsville Bench, Ontario, offers exactly what you’d expect in a Pinot Noir. It’s also another fantastic offering from Philip Dowell, an award-winning winemaker. The red fruit and forest floor … Read more
A dry-to-off-dry Pinot Noir, with plenty of fruit and spice… This Pinot Noir from Francis Ford Coppola Winery left an impression through its vibrant red fruit, mostly raspberries and plums, and plentiful spice, largely allspice and cloves. Made in a new world style, this wine might not appeal to Pinot Noir purists. Saying that, we … Read more
A very good Blauburgunder from Sϋditrol-Alto Adige… This Blauburgunder (another name for Pinot Noir) offered a fruity, fragrant nose with a tart, vibrant mouth. The tannins came across as somewhat sharp, yet not over-bearing, and the high degree of acidity added a welcomed touch of crispness. We paired it with an Italian-style margherita pizza and … Read more
A good Pinot Noir from Matua with an interesting nose… Name: Matua Vintage: 2014 Producer: Matua Valley Wines Region/Country: Marlborough, New Zealand Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir Consumed: On a Mediterranean cruise Recommended By: Selected from the wine list on the cruise ship. Cost: $42 USD ($12.95 CAD at the LCBO) Bottle Presentation: Clean, classy aqua-blue … Read more
Not a typical Pinot Noir, but well worth a look… Name: Meiomi Vintage: 2015 Producer: Meiomi, Constellation Brands Region/Country: A blend from Monterrey County, Sonoma County, and Santa Barbara County, California Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir Consumed: On a Mediterranean cruise Recommended By: Vintages Wine Bar sommelier on the cruise ship Cost: $27.95 CAD at the … Read more
The following reviews were part of blind tasting focusing on Pinot Noir. The three wines included, touted as typical representations of their terroir/location, took us to the Bourgogne region of France, the South Island of New Zealand, and the state of Oregon in the United States. The tasting proved eye-opening, revealing how this varietal can … Read more
Would definitely try another Pinot Noir from the Baden region in Germany… Name: Lovely Lilly Pinot Noir Vintage: 2014 Producer: Shelter Winery Region/Country: Baden, Germany (Qualitätswein) Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir Consumed: On a weekend getaway in Montreal Recommended By: Last chance bin at the LCBO (a place we seem to have good success with). Cost: … Read more