2007 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Central Coast

2007 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Central Coast

2007 Williams Selyem Pinot NoirAs a huge Pinot Noir fan (and who isn’t?), I thought this 2007 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Central Coast was pretty outstanding. It’s not easy to find, and after buying through a reputable online seller, I was eager to sip it.

In the glass, it’s a beautiful, vibrant red color. The aromas are of dark raspberries and pumpkin pie spices with some floral notes. The palate offers big, ripe cherry flavors and that silky, velvety mouthfeel other Pinots wish they could attain. The finish is long and earthy.

Pairings: Duck, turkey, grilled chicken, any mushroom-centered dish

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Central Coast, CA, USA

Price: $75

2010 Cristom Pinot Noir Mount Jefferson Cuvee

2010 Cristom Pinot Noir Mount Jefferson Cuvee

2010 Cristom Pinot Noir Mount Jefferson CuveeA bit transparent red in the glass, this Oregon Pinot Noir is floral on the nose with earthy notes. In the mouth, it’s Burgundy-like in style with strawberry and cherry flavors and crisp, dry finish.

Pairings: Duck, roast turkey, pasta with mushroom sauce

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

Price: $30

2010 Fulcrum Wines Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir

2010 Fulcrum Wines Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir

2010 Fulcrum Wines Gap’s Crown Pinot NoirI sampled this delicious Pinot Noir at the New York Wine Expo and think it might just be the best wine I tried there. In the glass, it’s dark and purple-hued. On the nose, it’s fabulous – earthy, mushroomy, black cherry. In the mouth, there are ripe cherry, blackberry, chocolate flavors with a rich, velvety texture. The finish is long with some clove and lightly oaky notes.

Pairings: Duck, roasted mushrooms, pork

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Sonoma Coast, CA, USA

Price: $50

Pierre Sparr Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé

Pierre Sparr Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé

Pierre Sparr Crémant D'Alsace Brut RoséIn the glass, this Crémant D’Alsace is bright pink. It looks like it’ll have a strawberry aroma and indeed does. The strawberry carries over in the mouth, but it’s laced with citrus and a little clove. The bubbles / texture is creamy and silky. Nice level of acidity and a clean, dry finish.

This Pierre Sparr Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé will please cocktail party wine drinkers and more serious wine fans.

Pairings: Use as an aperitif at a cocktail party with or without food. Seafood in light sauces, poached chicken.

Style: Sparkling Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Alsace, France

Price: $15

2008 Robert Sinskey Los Carneros Pinot Noir

2008 Robert Sinskey Los Carneros Pinot Noir

Brilliant cherry color in the glass. Big bright nose of ripe red berries. This medium-bodied Carneros Pinot Noir is classic California Pinot. Cherry and red berries explode out of the glass. Earthy, mushroom notes that linger on the finish. Velvety in the mouth. Just a really nice 100% organic Pinot, especially at this price point.

Pairings:  Duck, beef, lamb, roast chicken.

Style: Red

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Carneros, California, USA

Price: $40

2009 Ravines Wine Cellars Pinot Noir

2009 Ravines Wine Cellars Pinot Noir

The 2009 Ravines Wine Cellars Pinot Noir is a beautiful ruby in the glass. The nose is of red berries and cherries. In the mouth, the ripe cherries continue with some earthy, smoky notes with underlying oak from the French oak barrels the wine sees.  Soft tannins and pleasant velvety texture. Very Burgundian in style.

Not sure there are American Pinot Noirs, outside of some Russian River wines, that are better than this little gem.

Pairings:  Salmon, pork, roast chicken or duck. Very food-friendly wine.

Style: Red

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Finger Lakes, NY, USA

Price: $23

2009 Albert Bichot Pinot Noir Vielles Vignes

2009 Albert Bichot Pinot Noir Vielles Vignes

I had this wine in Quebec at an outdoor party where it was paired with Dad’s Quebec Smoked Meat Sandwiches.

In the glass, this nicely-balanced wine is a medium red. The ripe cherry nose is fruity and bright. In the mouth, there is a nice level of acidity and cherries mix with strawberries on this light-medium bodied French Pinot Noir.

Pairings:  Salmon, pork, roast chicken or duck. Pairs well with most food.

Style: Red

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Burgundy, France

Price: $15

2010 Hahn Winery Pinot Noir Monterey

2010 Hahn Winery Pinot Noir Monterey

I sampled this wine with rare duck breast a few weeks back and really enjoyed it.

The 2010 Hahn Winery Pinot Noir Monterey offers a big noseful of ripe raspberries and cherries that I enjoy, a lot. In the mouth, it is rich with raspberry preserves jammy with undertones of pumpkin pie spice. The finish is medium in length with oaky notes.

Pairings:  Grilled chicken. Pan-seared salmon or duck. Wild mushroom risotto.

Style: Red

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Monterey, California, USA

Price: $14

This wine was provided to me for sampling and I am adding to my repertoire as it is truly enjoyable.

2010 Garnet Carneros Pinot Noir

2010 Garnet Carneros Pinot Noir

This North Coast Pinot Noir is ruby in the glass with intense floral and strawberry aromas with earthy/mushroomy notes. Reminds me of grandma’s homemade wild strawberry jam on freshly toasted bread. On the palette, the 2010 Garnet Carneros Pinot Noir offers bright cherry flavors with slightly woodsy undertones. I love this wine’s silkiness, great balance and long flavorful finish.

Winemaker Alison Crowe does a super job with this wine, which is quite possibly the best Carneros Pinot Noir I have had in recent memory.

Pairings:  Grilled chicken or pork chops. I cannot think of many foods that would not be a good match to this wine.

Style: Red

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Carneros, California, USA

Price: $19.99

This wine was provided to me for sampling and I’m adding to my repertoire as it’s truly enjoyable.

Gonet Medeville Brut Tradition NV

Gonet Medeville Brut Tradition NV

For fans of fuller-bodied sparkling wines (me, me, me), this is a super option.

There’s apple and pear on the nose.  This French champagne offers an earthiness and mouth-watering apple and peach flavors with hints of vanilla.  Long, dry and completely enjoyable finish.

Nicer than most champagnes at this price point.

90 Points Wine Spectator.

Pairings:  Lobster, ripe berries, cheese souffle.

Style: Sparkling

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir

Region: Champagne, France

Around $40.