Pinot Noir Wine between $25 and $50

Deep ruby in color, the 2009 Louis Latour Corton Grand Cru opens with discreet aromas of violets, raspberry and spices. On the palate, the fruit is silky, pure, and ultra refined; a quick swirl of the glass unveils notes of ripe fruit, well-integrated with hints of oak. The tannins are similarly well-integrated, supple, and harmonious. Immensely enjoyable now for its pure, graceful Pinot Noir fruit, this wine offers at least 7 to 10 years of aging potential. The flavors are very similar to those of Louis Latour's top-of-the-line Corton-Grancey Grand Cru bottling. This bottling comes from the same magnificent vineyards as Corton-Grancey, but is made from younger vines and lots deemed unsuitable for the powerfully tannic Corton-Grancey. The chief difference is aging ability. While the Corton-Grancey requires years of cellaring, the Corton Grand Cru offers the same forceful gout de  terroir, without the requirement of long aging. That is not exactly a disadvantage!

Bing cherry, plums, and exotic spices on the nose. Framed by fine, textured tannins that lead to a creamy palate of red berries, bramble, black fruit, and dark chocolate. Balanced acidity throughout that finishes long with tobacco and wood spice.

Reflecting - in comparison with Ponzis? ?Tavola? bottling - older vines from Laurelwood soils including two estate sites, their 2010 Pinot Noir displays purple plum and sour cherry with an undertone of marrow-rich beef stock. There is a slight, almost horseradish-like bite in the finish that adds to the stimulation and saliva-inducement of a Pinot apt to give renewed pleasure over at least the next 4-5 years.