I’m on a bit of a Pinot Noir kick lately and decided to roast a whole duck over Christmas. These were a natural pairing and I was particularly pleased with the New World showings.
1999 Domaine Coste-Caumartin Pommard – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pommard (12/24/2014)
This is quite mature and seems to starting to dry out. The nose is of wet decaying autumnal leaves, wet wood, nuts, wet leather, soy sauce, dried currants and dried cherries. The palate still has a fair bit of dusty tannin with a slightly austere bitter note. The finish is carried on acidic dried red fruit notes. Not exactly my style but I know others might like it more. Still a nice drink. (88 points)
2012 Rhys Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard – USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (12/24/2014)
The usual Rhys Pinot aromatics here, another strong effort. This started quite closed, but after a couple of hours of air the aromatics became nicely lifted. The nose included aromatics such as pickled ginger, insence, dark cherry, cut fresh strawberry, grapefruit and lemon pepper. The palate has medium dusty tannin and elevated acid on the medium plus finish. Very solid wine here but this one especially needs time. I’m going to try to hold my next for 10 years if I can. (93 points)
2012 Mount Edward Eichardt’s Pinot Noir – New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Central Otago (12/31/2014)
A nicely old-world inspired Pinot Noir. Pours mostly transparent, quite light red in colour. Nose has a wonderful spectrum of non-fruit aromas. Nicely stemmy too, seems like perhaps 20% whole cluster (I found out later their standard is 25%). Nose is of slate, stones, wet soil, red currant jelly, rosemary, thyme, smoke, candle wax, lavendar and fresh cut strawberry. Palate is structured with moderate tannin and elevated acid. Alcohol is elevated on the finish, but the lovely earthy red fruit lingers on the palate for minutes. Gorgeous. Certainly the best New Zealand Pinot I’ve ever had. (92 points)