Tasting Notes for Friday, 6/3

 ETUDE PINOT GRIS 2009

The Wine Enthusiast calls this “A beautiful Pinot Gris that defines the drier, more elegant style in California. This 2009 is entirely consistent with past vintages from Etude, which have been superior. Shows Meyer lemon, lime, vanilla and peppery spice flavors, with a long, distinguished finish. Etude hasn’t raised the price in many years. Production was 3,319 cases.”  $14.97.

EL PORTILLO PINOT NOIR 2008

From grapes grown in mountain vineyards in the Mendoza region of Argentina, this soft, youthful wine carries ripe cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors layered with subtle notes of spice and light smoke.  Surprisingly balanced and elegant for a Pinot at this price point, this will make a terrific food wine.  $9.97

MADONNA ESTATE PINOT NOIR 2007

The Carneros Region provides the soil and climate necessary to capture the true essence of the delicate Pinot Noir grape. This includes strawberry, cherry, and earthy characteristics. This wine is extremely fruit forward, and is an excellent  food pairing wine. Supple tannins are balanced with crisp acidity on the palate for a long, lingering finish.  $15.97.

LAETITIA ESTATE PINOT NOIR 2009

Showing dark mulberry tones and aromas of cranberry and spiced plum, this wine is rich and medium-bodied. Youthful flavors of pomegranate, sandalwood and red cherries are married beautifully with earthy cola and smoke.  A very tasty example of the ripe style of Pinot California is famous for.  $19.97.

DOMAINE PRIEUR-BRUNET BOURGOGNE 2006

If you’ve got a few thousand dollars, you can buy a bottle of Domaine de la Romanee Conti.  That’s the rarefied air occupied by the top Crus in Burgundy, the original home of Pinot Noir.  We recommend starting with something like this, a great – and affordable – introduction to Burgundy.  You’ll taste similarities to the other Pinots in this lineup, but also differences, like a slightly drier, earthier quality and a pronounced minerality.  $18.97.

FRANK FAMILY PINOT NOIR 2009

This beautiful Carneros Pinot starts with a lavish bouquet of berries, brown sugar, cherries and smoked bacon, then follows with balanced flavors that will caress your palate like a passionate lover with a gentle touch.  The finish is graceful and pretty, with clean acidity.  $29.97

PALI SHEA VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2008

From Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Pali is a Pinot lover’s dream.  The nose reveals black cherry  and earthy scents that go almost all the way to barnyard.  Tart and rich black cherry fruit grabs your palate and holds on through the long, juicy finish.  This is smooth, dark, and rich, with good body and concentration.  $39.97.