Community Tasting Note

MikeATL wrote:

Friday, March 17, 2000 - Tonight with a pan seared salmon with Greek pasta salad, I decided a pinot was in order. Looking in the tasting queue, a bottle of the 1997 A. et P. Villaine Cote Chalonnaise le Digione cried out to me, actually begging me to consume it. Not being one to argue with inanimate objects (because that would be nuts), I acquiesced to its plaintive wails.

The lovely pure garnet color reminds me that I drink too many opaque California pinots suffering from MPD. An enterprising botanopsychologist could make a good living treating pinot grapes in California, which seem to have developed a mass psychosis that makes them believe they are syrah. Back to the wine at hand, it's got spice, it's got dried cherries, it slices, it dices, it minces, it chops. Once the cork was pulled, it decided to play coy, keeping the fruit wrapped up a bit tight, but gentle coaxing in the mouth convinces it to open up and reveal nice depth and complexity on the strong finish, with nice acidic balance.

It should improve over the next few years, but it and salmon sing an entrancing duet right now. It's not a great wine, but it is a very nice one, showing its Burgundy roots and at a pretty good price. People interested in exploring the region, and getting a taste of what Burgundy has to offer, would be well served to try it for a reasonably priced introduction. Those of us who know and love Burgundy should also buy it, because it is a good, inexpensive Burgundy that reminds us of the masterpieces we mortage our houses and sell our pets into slavery for.

Post a Comment / View MikeATL's profile
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue (646 views)