Pacific Northwest vs. France. Fight!!!

When all else fails, go back to pinot noir.


We ate at KuDeTa recently, and had the daunting task of polishing off two bottles of some damn good pinot. Woe is us.


Argyle Nut House Pinot Noir 2004 ($$$) from the Williamette Valley of Oregon is part of Argyle's Reserve series. Grown almost entirely on Argyle's Lone Star Vineyard property, the wine is a traditional midrange-to-higher end Oregon Pinot (read: MONSTER), and is aged just over a year in French oak. The nose of plum and blackberry is complemented by vanilla. In the mouth it becomes reminiscent of a blackberry flavored fruit roll-up dipped in dark chocolate. The tannins are grainy and dissectable (is that a word?), but are almost overshadowed by the big luscious fruit and a nice finish.
This is a must buy for fans of big Pac Rim pinots. If you're more of the Burgundian type, read on...

Morey St. Denis, Domaine Henri Jouan 2005 ($$$$) from Burgundy had a light nose of earth, blueberry, and lemongrass. The mouthfeel is typical mellow Burgundian, with fruit-forward elements of dark red cherry, and a smooth, lingering finish. This wine is a Michael Skurnik selection. It's a safe bet that if you see his name on the back of the bottle, you'll do well.