IT’S BACK!!!! Now on to what, along with the annual Buckman Pinot Noir release each September, is the most asked about wine here at VINO. At last the wait is over……. 2023 UN AUTRE MONDE Pinot Noir “Willamette Valley” $15.95 bottle/ $153.00 case Yes, the price is correct, AND the same as last year! Also disproving the belief that most $15-ish Oregon pinot is not worth pouring in your glasses, as once again winemaker Chris Berg is serving up a remarkable, and remarkably pretty, example of Oregon winemaking know how. Not to mention absurdly affordable. A blend of several different vineyard sites from up & down the valley, it delivers all the aromas and flavors we’ve come to expect…think ripe hood strawberry, Asian spice, late summer plums, a touch of mint, and a smattering of floral notes…and is so perfectly enjoyable and definitely crowd pleasing. Light garnet in color when you swirl it in your glass, this is still very young on first sip (and the first 2023 pinot I’ve had!), but so easy to enjoy, with an almost velvety smooth texture. I took a bottle home over this past sunny weekend, put a little chill on it, and it popped when served with some cheese and charcuterie. It’s only been in bottle about 3 weeks, and as young pinot seems to do, it changes almost by the day. It should fill out a bit (but not too much) with the aromas and flavors developing by the week, so we have very good things to anticipate in the coming weeks and months with this gem. If you’re looking for that perfect summer red, this is pretty much a home run. And at the case price of twelve bucks and change, it’s a bit of a crazy value for really tasty Oregon pinot! Now, as always, there isn’t a lot available and it always goes way too quickly, so ordering sooner than later is highly advisable. Get those wine glasses ready!! |
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