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New-world Pinot lunch
Tasted December 21, 2021 by melvinyeowq with 201 views
Introduction
A new-world Pinot lunch that was quite educational. Some observations that confirmed what I thought previously. 1. Restrained well-made Pinots still exist (albeit at a high price point). 2. I usually prefer them on pop-and-pour before the new-world characteristics such as cherry cola, blue fruits and alcohol take over. 3. Similar to Burgs, producer is still the most important variable but at this price point I think I'll stick to the Burgundy producers that I like.
Flight 1 (6 notes)
Red
2016 Rose & Arrow Pinot Noir Yamhill Close
A brooding, dark-fruited nose. It was sufficiently restrained at the beginning to have some doubt over which of this and the Ramonet was the Burgundy, but with air it became more blue-fruited and denser to leave no doubt. Not sure if this is worth the current market price as the palate is not as seamless as you would expect at this price point.
Red
2016 Jean-Claude Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge
Brought as a ringer. Some earthiness, elegant red fruits with some stem inclusion. Even though this wasn't the most complex, it had the most linear and weightless quality among the wines. Based on this showing, I think the 1er crus are a step up with more precision and drive and are worth the premium.
Red
2010 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Yamhill Cuvée
I thought this was very similar to the Rose & Arrow so I guessed Oregon Pinot, turned out that they were from the exact same plot. Cooler area compared to the Eola-Amity Hills that I tried previously that had a horrible kirsch note to it, this held its restraint much better despite some red cherry character. Out of all the wines it had the least candied notes by the end of lunch.
Red
2014 Hirsch Vineyards Pinot Noir Raschen Ridge
Again much better than my previous experience with the same producer. Nice raspberry fruits without the confectionery note with sufficient acid holding it together. Good depth of flavour with a slight spice note. This has aged gracefully.
Red
2016 Rippon Pinot Noir Mature Vine
Most new-world of the line-up with the candied fruit and meatiness but still very restrained compared to the new-world Pinots that I cannot stand. Showed the most overt fruit of black cherries and alcohol but at the same time this still felt rather young and austere.
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Comment
Red
2015 Markus Molitor Brauneberger Mandelgraben Pinot Noir **
Intense, slightly wild and earthy nose. Very large-scaled Pinot but the oak is well-integrated. Immense concentration and complexity, some drying tannins. Not usually my style of Pinot but this was an interesting experience.