Seven American Pinot Noirs

It was H:s turn to host our monthly tasting and he poured the following wines. Tasted double blind, I had them pegged as from Burgundy...

2014 Les Larmes Pinot Noir, Littorai

A restrained, finely tuned nose with notes of assorted red fruits, bakelite and forest floor.

The taste is young and fresh with notes of pomegranate, violets and a flowery note. A tad light in structure.

87p   (tasted 2024/09)

2014 La Source Pinot Noir, Evening Land

An open, earthy nose with notes of ripe raspberries, rhubarb and smoke. There are some fine green notes in the background.

The taste is tight and herbal with a fine raspberry fruit, a salivating acidity and a fine balance. 4+ years.

90p   (tasted 2024/09)

2014 Raschen Ridge Pinot Noir, Hirsch

A earthy, warm nose with notes of ripe red currants, dried raspberries and root vegetables. Deep and fine.

The taste is young and restrained with a fine sweet fruit that is a bit hidden today. A very good length. 6+ years.

90p   (tasted 2024/09)

2014 La Côte St Rita Hills Pinot Noir, Domaine de la Côte

A deep, somewhat mature, rich nose with notes of dried strawberries, asphalt, cooked root vegetables and moist earth. Very complex and fine.

The taste is round and sweet with sumptuous red fruit, silky tannins and a long ample finish. In a great drinking phase.

94p   (tasted 2024/09)

2014 Duvarita Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chanin

A spicy, warm nose with notes of rhubarb, raspberries, bonfire smoke and salmiak. Very deep.

The taste is open and rich with notes of raspberries, figs, smoke and forest floor. Very long. 4+ years.

93p   (tasted 2024/09)

2014 Bearwallow Vineyard Pinot Noir, Rhys

A deep, meaty nose with notes of fried herbs, ripe raspberries, coffee powder and licorice. Lovely.

The taste is tight and concentrated with a restrained red fruit, a high acidity and a long, juicy finish. This will need time, 7+ years.

93p   (tasted 2024/09)

2014 Alpine Vineyard Pinot Noir, Rhys

This got me reminiscing of young Dujac, Rosseau, Meo-Camuzet etc back in the days when they were tasted on a regular basis... A high, layered nose with notes of strawberries, Asian spices, warm sand, forest floor and incense. Just stunning.

The taste is tight and focused with a gorgeous balance, dripping sweet red fruits and a finish that goes on and on. Grand Cru level. 8+ years.

96p   (tasted 2024/09)