About the Pinot Noirs
Pinot Noirs are on the opposite end of the spice spectrum from Zinfandel and Syrah. Considered too light by some, they can still employ a full range of fruit and tannins (spice). The ones that made an exceptional play at Pinot Days had higher alcohol percentages, leaning away from the former average of 12% and closer to 14 or even 15%. Those high numbers, usually reserved for those high – octane Zins, made this Pinot Noir tasting a standout.
A couple things of note for me: Meeting and listening to Clos Pepe winemaker and uber-blogger Wes Hagen, Domaine Chandon making wine instead of sparkling from their Pinot grapes and Peter Zotovich pouring his own label. Here is a small sampling for you of the wines I liked:
Hirsch Winery, Morgan Winery, Evening Land Vineyards, Gainey Vineyard, Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery, Ascentia Wine Estates, Keller Estate, Ken Brown Wines, Three Sticks Wines, MacMurray Ranch, Clos Pepe Estate, Melville Winery, Domaine Chandon, Zotovich Family Vineyards and Flying Goat Cellars.
New, and old, Friends seen at Pinot Days
Wes Hagen, Greg Brewer, Ken Brown, Ana Keller, Gary Farrell, Matt Adler, Dan Morgan Lee, Jasmine Hirsch, Edie De Avila, Denise Lowe, John Dickey, Dr. Joel Fisher, Chris and Dana Chernault, Tony and Laura Garcia, Victor Herstein, Alex Mendoza, Julie Brosterman, Xochtl Maiman, Lisa Rigisich, DiMaggio Washington, Kazia Schulhof, George and Jennifer Skorka, Jeff Levine, Mary Bradway, Katja Eastland, Don Rose, Peter Zotovich, Joel Burt, Bob Jones and Susie Majesky.
OHMIGOD The Cheese
Like any large wine tasting, it’s not about the food unless billed as a wine pairing. We were thrilled to find the California Cheese & Butter Association selections well above standard “cheese plate” fare. At press time I’m trying to attain a list of the cheese served. I can only recall Black River Gorgonzola, white cheddar, San Joaquin Gold and Jarlsberg Swiss. Not all fared on my palate with my Pinot, but heck, that’s what the bread was for.
Highlights from the SCV Wine Calendar:
Local Tip: Live Music at Wine 661, All Corked Up and Valencia Wine Company tonight.
An Indian Dinner, by popular demand, at All Corked Up on Sunday 1/24/10 from 5-7pm. $20 for food only…but wine is easily attainable!
Hot Tip: Vino 100 Valencia is collecting monetary donations for CARE’s Haiti Relief Effort through Saturday, Jan 23 during business hours. As a “Thank You”, the Vino ladies would like to offer folks a glass of wine to enjoy on them when they come in to donate.
Save the Date for My e Pick: Think out of the “Chinese Food Container” with New Moon Valencia’s Contemporary Chinese food first Wine Pairing Dinner on Tuesday January 26th at 6:30pm, Michael-David Family of Wines
Reserve now: 661-257-4321. (Only 30 spots are left.)
Yours, in wine and out,
Eve Bushman- commentary
Eve Bushman is a local writer that specializes in writing about wine. You can find great articles by Eve on her blog at http://www.evewine101.blogspot.com or email her at [email protected]. Her commentaries represent her own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization she may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon. She is also now on Facebook!
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