Affordable, Eclectic Pinots
John's House in Des Moines, WA
Tasted Saturday, June 18, 2005 by DFC with 710 views
Introduction
My friend John played host to one of his usual fantastic dinner parties/wine tastings. Since he had recently visited Burgundy, the theme was pinot noir. The focus was on more affordable pinots, and the source of the wines proved to be a mix. The meal was fabulous as always as John is a great chef! Started with lightly seared halibut on a bed of pureed Jerusalem artichokes with a touch of curry oil. Next was a mixed green salad with a light dressing and crushed hazelnuts. The main course proved to be lovely slices of duck breast with roasted yams and vegetable-filled cabbage rolls. As an added treat, alternative cabbage rolls incorporating fois gras were passed around and were absolutely delicious! The cheese course came next with 4 selections, and the finale was a light cake with cherries inside served with fresh blueberries on the side.
Flight 1 - The Main Event (6 Notes)
Flight 2 - Extra Pinots for Dinner (2 Notes)
Closing
What this night proved to me is that I love Domaine Drouhin Laurene in pretty much any vintage. I need to keep an eye out for the 2002's this fall!
2003 A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir 86 Points
USA, Oregon
Color is medium to dark ruby. On the nose, red fruits and cherry. On the palate, tart crancherries. The mid-palate is a bit hollow, and with time in the glass, the tannins rear their head a bit. Finish is short at around 10 seconds.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
2001 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Laurène 91 Points
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills
Color is dark ruby. On the nose, mushrooms and forest floor. On the palate, blackberries and dark fruits. Balance is very nice, and the tannins are smooth. The finish is long and satisfying at 30 seconds.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
2003 McKinlay Pinot Noir 88 Points
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Color is medium ruby. On the nose, subdued red fruits...this one is a bit closed on the aromatics. On the palate, black cherries carry the day. Decent balance, and a 15-20 second finish.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
2002 Joseph Drouhin Côte de Nuits Villages 87 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Nuits Villages
Color is medium ruby. On the nose, vegetal, earthy notes. On the palate, black cherries with a tannic grip. The overall balance is good, but the finish is only average at 10-15 seconds.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
2001 Domaine Joblot Givry 1er Cru Clos de la Servoisine 92 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Givry 1er Cru
Color is medium ruby. On the nose, very floral with violet and lavender notes. On the palate, very refined chambord with fine-grained tannins. Great balance, and a long satisfying 30-second finish.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
2000 Bruno Lorenzon Mercurey 1er Cru Champs Martin 89 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Mercurey 1er Cru
Color is dark ruby. On the nose, earthy, musty leaves, but not overpowering or offensively so. On the palate, strong cherry notes with excellent balance, and a slight but smooth tannic grip. Finish is good at around 15 seconds.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No