With hot days and cool nights, deciding what wine to drink might be a conundrum. I like to settle this debate by uncorking a bottle of Pinot Noir from California’s Sonoma Coast. When these Pinot Noirs are stored at optimum temperature (between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit), you’ll notice their nuances even more – and that slightly chilled temperature is a bonus on a hot day.
Here are two Pinot Noirs from Sonoma’s Coast that capture the region’s terroir (French-speak for soil conditions) very well. A cooler climate – much cooler than Napa – on the coast translates to a longer growing season. And the difference shows.
2010 Pali Wine Co. “Riviera” Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast, California, $20) conveys a lush, velvety finish of cinnamon and vanilla, with ripe red raspberries and blackberries towards the front of the palate. Its forest-floor aromas are equally intriguing. (www.paliwineco.com)
2010 Landmark Vineyards “Grand Detour” Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast, California, $40) has excellent mouth feel (almost velvety) with wild-strawberry and plum notes, and the peppery rush near the finish is a pleasant surprise. (www.landmarkwine.com)
WINE EVENT OF THE WEEK
My eyes still on Pinot Noir, last weekend I opened a bottle of 2009 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir “Ten” (Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California). With a blackberry bouquet and black-cherry notes that coast into silky-smooth tannins with just a kiss of oak, it’s the epitome of perfect Pinot. On June 12 and 13, Thief Wine Shop is hosting a primer in this wine varietal at both its Milwaukee Public Market and Shorewood locations. “Pinot Noir Around the World” promises to show your palate the difference in how this grape performs in France, New Zealand, Oregon and California. The 2009 Sea Smoke Vineyards’ “Southing” Pinot Noir (Santa Rita Hills, California) will be uncorked, as will Pinot Noirs from Wilhem Walch (Alto Adige, Italy), Morey Coffinet (Burgundy, France), Sileni (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand), Soter Vineyards (Willamette Valley, Oregon) and MacMurray Ranch (Sonoma Coast, California). The tasting costs $20, and you must reserve in advance by calling 414-277-7707 (Milwaukee Public Market) or 414-906-1906 (Shorewood)
Since I’m sure you’re already marking your calendars, take note of the times: June 12 at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Milwaukee Public Market, and 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Shorewood.
WINE DEAL OF THE WEEK
Heading up to the North Shore for a night out? Think about reserving a table for dinner some Sunday night. NSB Bar & Grill in Fox Point recently extended its hours to include Sunday. Beginning at 4 p.m., and running until closing time (9 p.m.), costs on all bottles of wine are slashed in half. Now, if you read this column you know that I scope out the wine lists before giving them some airtime. Know that there are 50 whites and 50 reds regularly priced at under $50 a bottle. Not just from California, but from Washington, Argentina, Chile, France, Italy and even Wisconsin. As for the food, whether you’re a lover of light and fresh California-style cuisine or more of a meat-and-potatoes snob, there is definitely something for everyone. A peek at the salads alone indicates an attempt to please everyone: Would you like a New York Strip Steak Salad or a Towering Mango Strawberry Salad?
WINE OF THE WEEK
If you come to my house often you already know that it’s a rare day when white wine isn’t chilling in the fridge. Recently some visitors got a glass of 2011 McManis Family Vineyards Viognier (California, $12), flush with apricot and nectarine notes – so much that you can almost taste their nectar – preceded by a vibrant, floral nose. Still not convinced it’s a good buy? Check this out: the 2010 vintage received a “Best of Class” award from the San Francisco Chronicle. (www.mcmanisfamilyvineyards.com)
Hompage photo by Chris Kessler
