Made famous by the movie Sideways, pinot noir typicallys has layers of pure strawberry, raspberry and other red and black fruit that expand across the palate in a way that no other grape variety quite matches. This is what many wine drinkers are really looking for when they order a cabernet. Despite its reputation for making rich, hulking reds, good pinot noir is silky, even gossamer, with deep flavors; young pinot noir is tightly wound, like a rose bud, ready to blossom with time. Found in French red Burgundy, e.g., Chambertin, Pommard, Bourgogne, etc.; Sancerre rouge; German Spatburgunder; Swiss Dole; labeled pinot noir in California, Australia, South America, South Africa.
Varietal: Pinot Noir | Location: France - Burgundy - Gevrey-Chambertin
WA 93
The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Estournelles St. Jacques emerges from the glass with explosive dark fruit. This is an especially large scaled, big style of Gevrey, but all of the elements come together nicely in the glass. The tannins turn incisive on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.
I tasted an impressive range of wines with Jacques Lardiere and his successor Frederic Barnier, who is slated to take over when Lardiere retires at the end of 2012. Jadot makes a mind-bending number of wines, but I limited myself to the best 35 or so examples. In 2009 Jadot began harvesting on September 6. All of the reds were made from 100% destemmed fruit. Maceration times varied from wine to wine, but according to Lardiere all of the wines were made with essentially the same approach. Lardiere is another of the producers who compares 2009 to 1959, and believes the wines will age well because of their density of fruit and minerality. Many of the estate's own vineyards are farmed biodynamically, but of course Jadot also sources a significant amount of wine from other growers that is not necessarily from biodynamically farmed vineyards.
Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Estournelles St. Jacques emerges from the glass with explosive dark fruit. This is an especially large scaled, big style of Gevrey, but all of the elements come together nicely in the glass. The tannins turn incisive on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.
I tasted an impressive range of wines with Jacques Lardiere and his successor Frederic Barnier, who is slated to take over when Lardiere retires at the end of 2012. Jadot makes a mind-bending number of wines, but I limited myself to the best 35 or so examples. In 2009 Jadot began harvesting on September 6. All of the reds were made from 100% destemmed fruit. Maceration times varied from wine to wine, but according to Lardiere all of the wines were made with essentially the same approach. Lardiere is another of the producers who compares 2009 to 1959, and believes the wines will age well because of their density of fruit and minerality. Many of the estate's own vineyards are farmed biodynamically, but of course Jadot also sources a significant amount of wine from other growers that is not necessarily from biodynamically farmed vineyards. -- Antonio Galloni
Varietal: Pinot Noir | Location: France - Burgundy - Pommard
WA 92
BH 89
The 2009 Pommard Rugiens is a supple, beautifully balanced wine. It reveals lovely polish as the intensity of the fruit builds towards the textured, generous finish. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.
I tasted an impressive range of wines with Jacques Lardiere and his successor Frederic Barnier, who is slated to take over when Lardiere retires at the end of 2012. Jadot makes a mind-bending number of wines, but I limited myself to the best 35 or so examples. In 2009 Jadot began harvesting on September 6. All of the reds were made from 100% destemmed fruit. Maceration times varied from wine to wine, but according to Lardiere all of the wines were made with essentially the same approach. Lardiere is another of the producers who compares 2009 to 1959, and believes the wines will age well because of their density of fruit and minerality. Many of the estate's own vineyards are farmed biodynamically, but of course Jadot also sources a significant amount of wine from other growers that is not necessarily from biodynamically farmed vineyards.
Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756The 2009 Pommard Rugiens is a supple, beautifully balanced wine. It reveals lovely polish as the intensity of the fruit builds towards the textured, generous finish. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.
I tasted an impressive range of wines with Jacques Lardiere and his successor Frederic Barnier, who is slated to take over when Lardiere retires at the end of 2012. Jadot makes a mind-bending number of wines, but I limited myself to the best 35 or so examples. In 2009 Jadot began harvesting on September 6. All of the reds were made from 100% destemmed fruit. Maceration times varied from wine to wine, but according to Lardiere all of the wines were made with essentially the same approach. Lardiere is another of the producers who compares 2009 to 1959, and believes the wines will age well because of their density of fruit and minerality. Many of the estate's own vineyards are farmed biodynamically, but of course Jadot also sources a significant amount of wine from other growers that is not necessarily from biodynamically farmed vineyards. -- Antonio Galloni
Varietal: Pinot Noir | Location: France - Burgundy - Santenay
Ripe, earthy and direct, this is a charming Chardonnay with broad, plump tropical fruit flavors, restrained oak notes and minerally nuances which end on an appealing, generous finish.
Varietal: Pinot Noir | Location: France - Burgundy - Savigny-lès-Beaune
WA 90
The 2009 Savigny-Les-Beaune La Dominode is a dark, powerful wine laced with dark fruit, licorice, spices, earthiness and a vein of oak. Some elements of rusticity peek through, but this remains a compelling, intense wine with plenty of potential to improve in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.
I tasted an impressive range of wines with Jacques Lardiere and his successor Frederic Barnier, who is slated to take over when Lardiere retires at the end of 2012. Jadot makes a mind-bending number of wines, but I limited myself to the best 35 or so examples. In 2009 Jadot began harvesting on September 6. All of the reds were made from 100% destemmed fruit. Maceration times varied from wine to wine, but according to Lardiere all of the wines were made with essentially the same approach. Lardiere is another of the producers who compares 2009 to 1959, and believes the wines will age well because of their density of fruit and minerality. Many of the estate's own vineyards are farmed biodynamically, but of course Jadot also sources a significant amount of wine from other growers that is not necessarily from biodynamically farmed vineyards.
Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756The 2009 Savigny-Les-Beaune La Dominode is a dark, powerful wine laced with dark fruit, licorice, spices, earthiness and a vein of oak. Some elements of rusticity peek through, but this remains a compelling, intense wine with plenty of potential to improve in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.
I tasted an impressive range of wines with Jacques Lardiere and his successor Frederic Barnier, who is slated to take over when Lardiere retires at the end of 2012. Jadot makes a mind-bending number of wines, but I limited myself to the best 35 or so examples. In 2009 Jadot began harvesting on September 6. All of the reds were made from 100% destemmed fruit. Maceration times varied from wine to wine, but according to Lardiere all of the wines were made with essentially the same approach. Lardiere is another of the producers who compares 2009 to 1959, and believes the wines will age well because of their density of fruit and minerality. Many of the estate's own vineyards are farmed biodynamically, but of course Jadot also sources a significant amount of wine from other growers that is not necessarily from biodynamically farmed vineyards. -- Antonio Galloni
Varietal: Pinot Noir | Location: France - Burgundy - Volnay
WA 93
The 2009 Volnay Clos de la Barre reveals dazzling perfume and generous dark fruit, with hints of mentholated, balsamic notes that add complexity. This is a decidedly virile, powerful Volnay endowed with tons of depth. It will be a fascinating wine to follow over the coming years. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.
I tasted an impressive range of wines with Jacques Lardiere and his successor Frederic Barnier, who is slated to take over when Lardiere retires at the end of 2012. Jadot makes a mind-bending number of wines, but I limited myself to the best 35 or so examples. In 2009 Jadot began harvesting on September 6. All of the reds were made from 100% destemmed fruit. Maceration times varied from wine to wine, but according to Lardiere all of the wines were made with essentially the same approach. Lardiere is another of the producers who compares 2009 to 1959, and believes the wines will age well because of their density of fruit and minerality. Many of the estate's own vineyards are farmed biodynamically, but of course Jadot also sources a significant amount of wine from other growers that is not necessarily from biodynamically farmed vineyards.
Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756The 2009 Volnay Clos de la Barre reveals dazzling perfume and generous dark fruit, with hints of mentholated, balsamic notes that add complexity. This is a decidedly virile, powerful Volnay endowed with tons of depth. It will be a fascinating wine to follow over the coming years. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.
I tasted an impressive range of wines with Jacques Lardiere and his successor Frederic Barnier, who is slated to take over when Lardiere retires at the end of 2012. Jadot makes a mind-bending number of wines, but I limited myself to the best 35 or so examples. In 2009 Jadot began harvesting on September 6. All of the reds were made from 100% destemmed fruit. Maceration times varied from wine to wine, but according to Lardiere all of the wines were made with essentially the same approach. Lardiere is another of the producers who compares 2009 to 1959, and believes the wines will age well because of their density of fruit and minerality. Many of the estate's own vineyards are farmed biodynamically, but of course Jadot also sources a significant amount of wine from other growers that is not necessarily from biodynamically farmed vineyards. -- Antonio Galloni
Varietal: Pinot Noir | Location: France - Burgundy - Volnay
WA 90
The 2010 Volnay Clos de la Barre is a huge, implosive wine loaded with fruit. This explosive Volnay bursts onto the palate with black cherries, tar, licorice, smoke and incense. The aromas and flavors take on a decidedly exotic quality as the wine sits in the glass. This is another wine with a bright future. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.
Varietal: Pinot Noir | Location: France - Burgundy - Vosne-Romanée
WA 88
The 2009 Vosne-Romanee is a simple, juicy wine with good village character best suited to near-term drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.
I tasted an impressive range of wines with Jacques Lardiere and his successor Frederic Barnier, who is slated to take over when Lardiere retires at the end of 2012. Jadot makes a mind-bending number of wines, but I limited myself to the best 35 or so examples. In 2009 Jadot began harvesting on September 6. All of the reds were made from 100% destemmed fruit. Maceration times varied from wine to wine, but according to Lardiere all of the wines were made with essentially the same approach. Lardiere is another of the producers who compares 2009 to 1959, and believes the wines will age well because of their density of fruit and minerality. Many of the estate's own vineyards are farmed biodynamically, but of course Jadot also sources a significant amount of wine from other growers that is not necessarily from biodynamically farmed vineyards.
Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756The 2009 Vosne-Romanee is a simple, juicy wine with good village character best suited to near-term drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.
I tasted an impressive range of wines with Jacques Lardiere and his successor Frederic Barnier, who is slated to take over when Lardiere retires at the end of 2012. Jadot makes a mind-bending number of wines, but I limited myself to the best 35 or so examples. In 2009 Jadot began harvesting on September 6. All of the reds were made from 100% destemmed fruit. Maceration times varied from wine to wine, but according to Lardiere all of the wines were made with essentially the same approach. Lardiere is another of the producers who compares 2009 to 1959, and believes the wines will age well because of their density of fruit and minerality. Many of the estate's own vineyards are farmed biodynamically, but of course Jadot also sources a significant amount of wine from other growers that is not necessarily from biodynamically farmed vineyards. -- Antonio Galloni
Varietal: Pinot Noir | Location: France - Burgundy - Aloxe-Corton
WS 89
Attractive center of cherry, raspberry and red currant has a cloak of tannins and bright acidity framing it. All the elements are there to make an elegant, mineral-tinged red in time. Good length. Best from 2012 through 2022. 1,500 cases made.
Varietal: Pinot Noir | Location: France - Burgundy - Corton
WS 92
A rich, sumptuous red, with a velvety texture and cherry compote and spice notes. It has a sweetness at its center, but lively acidity and firm tannins too. Good lingering finish. Approachable now, but will get better. Best from 2012 through 2028. 3,600 cases made.
Varietal: Pinot Noir | Location: France - Burgundy - Corton
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!
Varietal: Pinot Noir | Location: France - Burgundy - Nuits-St.-Georges
An unusually pretty nose for a Nuits-Saint-Georges Drink-now delicious, with gorgeous framboise and cherry notes. I found it irresistible. –- Ben Giliberti