First, allow me a minor confession - I am not a big fan of the Burdundian Pinot Noirs. While I absolutely love the vins blanc of the Burgundy, I prefer the bigger, richer, fruitier styles of the New World Pinot Noirs.
California Central Coast, Santa Cruz Mountains, Carneros, Sonoma Coast, Willamette Valley - these are the appelations I prefer for my Pinots.
Add to that now the Anderson Valley.
You are all probably familiar with the famous Cristal champagne, from the French house Roederer. And you may also know that Roederer has a vineyard and winery in the Anderson Valley. Their sparkling wines are delicious. What you may not know is that they are also making some table wines from the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines that are used for their wonderful sparkling wines.
I didn;t know this until a recent visit, ostensibly to pick up some magnums of the Brut. At the tasting room, we were treated to a taste of their '04 Pinot Noir. It is rich, supple, and full of fruit reminisces. While soft enough to be a 'sipping' wine, it is also an outstanding pairing wine. We bought a half case at the time. After another bottle or two since, we have put another case away in the cellar with the expectation that another year or so will bring the wine out even more.
The problem with these New World Pinot's is that the really good ones are usually pricey. The Roederer sells, at the tasting room, for $22 a bottle. With a 10% case discount though, the price comes down below that magic $20 level.
Here's the rub; the wine is not distributed through ANY retail channels. It sin;t even mentioned on their website. It is a limited production wine, sold only through their tasting room. You can call or write and order it. Which I heartily recommend. But even more fun, if you live in Northern California, is to take the beautiful drive up to Mendocino along highway 128 and taste the wine for yourself.
Recommended.