Weekly Feature – Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is an early ripening, thin skinned grape and can be finicky at harvest, due to splitting of skins and spontaneous fermentation even before the grapes hit the wine press. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the grapes are harvested on time. Because of its thin skins, resulting wines are lighter in colour,
body and tannins. Don’t let that fool you though! Because of its natural high acidity, these wines can age for decades. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, redolent with freshly crushed raspberries, cherries and redcurrants. When mature, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouth feel with the fruit flavours deepening and earthy nuances emerging.
The best Pinot Noir wines are in Burgundy, however excellent examples of this grape can be found in the USA in Willamette Valley, Oregon and Carneros, California; Northern Italy, Central Otago; New Zealand and even southern Argentina. In addition, Pinot Noir is one of the key grapes in Champagne.
Excellent examples of Pinot Noir to try from CLS:
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PARENT POMMARD 1ER CRU LES EPENOTS 2020 – Les Epenots is considered one of the BEST Premier Cru in Pommard with rich and structured wines, fine, velvety tannins and capable of ageing. Even though 2020 was a more difficult vintage for red (especially in the Cote de Beaune), the wines from Pommard should still show delicacy, density, and an innate sense of balance. Drink now until 2035. $249.99
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KEN WRIGHT EOLA-AMITY PINOT NOIR 2021- Oregon has established itself as great producer of Pinot Noir, often on par with Burgundy as it lies as the same latitude. Ken Wright Cellars started in 1994, yet Ken was producing great wines since the mid-80’s. Not only is his “basic” Pinot Noir outstanding, but there are examples from 13 different vineyard sites, this being one of them. This pinot features blackberry, black cherry and candied raspberry with notes of cocoa nibs and caramel and finishes with firm but velvety tannins. Drink now until 2030. $59.99
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WHITEHAVEN MARLBOROUH PINOT NOIR 2020- For those who are drinking on a budget, New Zealand Pinot Noir offers good quality at fair prices. More lean in style, this Pinot Noir would be best served with a slight chill on it. Expect flavours and aromas of red cherry, blueberry along with hints of both sweet and savoury baking spices. Drink now until 2027. $25.99
These are just a few of the many fine example to be found at Canadian Liquor Store. Contact us today for more information!