2020 Sean Minor Pinot Noir, USA, California

Vintage: 
2020
Score: 
86
Grade: 
B
Current Price: 
$15.00USD

This is a solid Pinot and very reasonably priced.  Unfortunately, there does seem to be some smokiness to it. Is this related to the fires that ravaged California in 2020? Unknown.  It is a light ruby in color, clear and bright.  The nose has smoke and some nice strawberries with a touch of cranberries.  light bodied.  The palate seems cleaner wit cherries and strawberries.  Moderate finish.  This drinks well on its own and would work well with salmon.  Drink over the next couple of years. 

2021 Domaine Pierre Martin Sancerre Rosé Chavignol

Vintage: 
2021
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$25.00USD

This is a Pinot Noir based Rose from the Loire Valley in France.  Very refreshing at 13% abv.  Light salmon/pink/orange in color, clear and bright.  Medium bodied.  Lightly viscous.  On the palate, a bit of a sweet tart note along with some tart orange notes especially on the finish.  This wine will work better with some food to tame the acidity. A summertime watermelon and feta cheese salad would be perfect.  Drink over the next year or two.  

2019 Reeve Wines Pinot Noir Ya Moon Vecino Vineyard, USA, California, Mendocino, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$32.00USD

An interesting Pinot Noir from Potter Valley in northern California.  Ruby in color, clear and bright.  The nose has cherries and some rhubarb.  Slight bubble gum note.  Medium bodied.  On the palate, nice cherry fruit.  Drinks easy.  Nice finish.  Drink over the next eight to ten years.  

2020 Wente Vineyards Pinot Noir Niki's Rosé Arroyo Seco, USA, California, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2020
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$35.00USD

This is a serious Rose made from Pinot Noir grapes in California.  Very pale orange/pink in color, clear and bright.  The nose has light strawberries and some watermelon.  A nice, slightly oily texture.  The palate has nice strawberries.  Very clean.  Refreshing.  Nice finish.  This drinks well on its own and would work well with foods.  Grilled salmon would be a nice choice.  

2019 Goldeneye Pinot Noir Ten Degrees

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
94
Grade: 
Current Price: 
$130.00USD

Goldeneye has been quietly crafting excellent pinot noir from the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County since 1996. Utilizing a blend of four different clones, the Ten Degrees has always been an exceptional wine and this vintage is no different. Beautifully balanced between acidity, fruit and oak aging, this offers black cherry, cranberry, pomegranate, a wee bit of white pepper and an even flow throughout the palate. Though aged for 16 months in French oak the fruit shine without being overly dramatic, the lush ripe flavors are very appealing. In short, this is deftly balanced.

2020 Sineann Pinot Noir "TFL", USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2020
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

This is made in 375ml bottles.  It is a blend of various Pinot Noir's that are bottled as single vineyard releases.  This is of course still a bit young and while good, it seemed lacking a bit compared to prior vintages.  Deep garnet in color, clear and bright.  The nose has sour cherries and char.  Medium to full bodied.  On the palate, there is solid sour cherry fruit.  Not much in the way of nuances but hopefully as it ages, it also develops more.  It would be better with food.  Salmon would work well.  

2018 Etude Pinot Noir Grace Benoist Ranch, USA, California, Carneros, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$47.00USD

This is a really nice Pinot Noir from Carneros. Ruby in color, clear and bright. The nose is nice. Earthy with cherries and slight sandalwood. Medium bodied. Light tannins. Good acidity. On the palate, cherries with slight sour cherries over char and earthiness. Long finish with a touch of menthol. Some depth and complexity that will increase with cellar time. This drinks well now and should continue to for the next ten to twelve years. Very nice on it own, this will work well with roasted duck or chicken.

2020 Gentleman Farmer Napa Valley Rosé, USA, California, Oak Knoll, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2020
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$35.00USD

This is made from 100% Pinot Noir.  It has a deep ruby/orange color, clear and bright.  A bit darker than typical roses.  On the palate, there are strawberries, cherry powdered candy (li-a-maid?), with a slight tea and gravel.  Medium bodied.  Lovely texture.  On the palate, the strawberries come thru with some red apple notes and underlying gravel.  A bit of orange candy on the finish along with a slightly bitter orange pith note.  Tasted over two nights, it was better on night two which is rare for a Rose.  This is concentrated.  It drinks great on its own and will work well with lighter

2010 Dominique Laurent Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Vieilles Vignes, France, Burgundy, Cotes de Nuits, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2010
Score: 
96
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$509.00USD

Pop and pour, this was surprisingly open and accessible.  Deep ruby in color, clear and bright.  This is big and bold.  On the nose, cherries, sandalwood, some black cherries and baking spice.  Full bodied.  On the palate, lots of fresh cherries and sour cherries with some underlying char.  Delicious and vital.  Long finish.  This seems to be a five to ten years from full maturity but drinking well.  It is great on its own and would delicious with salmon or tuna.  

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