Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is Red Burgundy
and vice verso.
It can be Californian, if only they would stop trying to make it like Cabernet and if only they would ease up on the confounded oak. Be leery of " Reserve" wines. It seems that " Reserve" means more oak. It also means that you can expect to pay more for it - but do not expect it to be better - it usually isn't. Sorry, but that had to be said.
It also can be Oregonian. And it can be Burgundian, but that does not mean it's Kosher - there are a whole bunch of pricey Rick's Red Burgundy Nix out there. Nixed another one today.
The taster's first reaction to Pinot Noir, having anticipated something Big and Hearty (courtesy Ernest & Julio), is " It looks awful thin." A dreadful thing to say of any wine - worse than calling any self respecting woman (or man for that matter) "fat" .
Then comes " Gee, not only does it look thin, it also tastes thin, watery, and it bites." I respond " You swallowed without tasting. Try again. Chew it. Gargle with. Don't swallow till I tell you."
The customer - " Wow! I see what you mean. Wow! I had no idea. Wow!" . So begins a journey and a love affair. Its happened many, many times during the past 12 years.
Pinot Noir is a fussy grape, difficult to grow and reluctant to yield to the winemaker, it makes a enigmatic wine. It frequently is light in color and body, but when that beautiful flavor bursts in the back of your mouth you are left in wonder at how so much flavor can hide in wine that not only looks light but feels light in the mouth.
Yes there are Pinot Noirs that are bigger and fuller but they are not always better.
Pinot Noir has become a major player in the battle for space on our shelves and space in your shopping bag - and its winning out over many old standbys.
If you are unfamiliar with its delights I recommend that you embark on a journey of joy and discovery. Start with the very first wine in the list.
Check the latest Rick's Picks
Please ask to look at our listing of older, limited availability, Burgundies.