Fortunately, you don’t have to look to far for yet another article and more suggestions. I would suggest the humble Pinot Noir grape which is actually a half brother to Gamay or vice versa depending which one is your favorite. I’ve selected two Pinot’s and a Gamay for your consideration from what are thought of as the best regions in the world.
Domaine Chignard Fleurie “Les Moriers” 2020.
This is a wonderful example of a Gamay with the grapes being sourced from vines with an average age of 65 years old that are some of the finest vineyards in the Fleurie region of Beaujolais. Michael Chignard’s traditional hands-off approach is his ‘secret’ to his winemaking success and the quality of wines he produces that reflect the terroir.
The enticing nose is just the start to this journey. One sip will reveal a soft mouthfeel delivering dark cherries, black currents and raspberries with secondary notes of blueberries and spices. This is just what is needed for Turkey and Ham making it indispensable for the Thanksgiving celebration. Impressive body and structure and a delight to drink with an elegance and finesse that defies the price point.
Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2020- New World Delight
Distribution for these wines in the US has changed hands and with ‘new blood’ comes new wines, their highly allocated Pinot Noir has been released for the first time in the US with only 20 or so 6 packs making their way here.
Highly aromatic nose dominated by red fruits, raspberries and a subtle smokey note is more than enough reason to move forward. The palate is crisp and vibrant and absolutely delicious coating your mouth with soft red fruits and raspberries (no surprise there) with a silky-smooth mouthfeel and a long finish. Wonderful balance and elegance from start to finish. If you’re not familiar with Yarra Valley Pinots this is a great introduction and I dare, say it will make a believer out of you. Will cellar out to 2027 without a problem. This is such an amazing wine, I would pair it with Salmon, Turkey, Asian Chicken dishes or seafood Salads with a Raspberry dressing.
94 pt- James Halliday.
Domaine Drouhin ‘Lauréne’ Pinot Noir 2018. – Best of Both Worlds.
Drouhin is a household name when it comes to Pinot Noir and Burgundy. Véronique Drouhin-Boss turned her sights on Oregon in the early 1980’s and purchased a 235-acre estate on the top of Dundee Hills that was reminiscent of Burgundy that they believed would produce world class Pinot Noir’s. The Lauréne release is a fine example of what their goal looked like- achieved. It is a marriage of old-world winemaking techniques and perfect site selection coupled with best wine practices to produce exceptional wines of depth and complexity that would impress even the most fastidious Pinot drinkers. First released in 1992 and named after Véronique’s new born daughter and sourced from 100% Estate Grown fruit.
Delightful notes of cherry, violet, spices and earth greet you on the nose enticing you to take a sip. This is a combination of fruit driven new world with all the character of an old-world Pinot with restraint and elegance- definitely the best of both worlds. There is a purity and focus on the palate that is individually Domaine Drouhin Oregon. The palate is a seamless blend of cherries and cranberries give way to blueberries, cooking spices and white pepper extending out on a long finish. An absolute pleasure to drink and another exceptional reason to look forward to Thanksgiving. Will cellar out 10-15 years, if your patience enough.
Rating: 95 pt- James Suckling.
Vine to Table 