Monteray, California and Pinot Noir

[robr]

Just picked up a copy of Oct. Wine Spectator in a radiology waiting room and read that Monteray area is producing some killer PN. Anybody here agree?

[Kcwhippet]

Most definitely. We've been getting a number of PN's made from grapes grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands, which are in Monterey County. There are probably at least 30 wineries, maybe more, making wine from SLH Pinot Noir grapes. The typical style from most is usually a really big wine, almost like a Syrah. If you're into Burgundian style Pinot's these are not for you.

[robr]

What does Burgundy Pinot taste like? I've never had it, only the fruity California stuff.

[Drew]

Put a hundred dollar bill in your pants pocket that has a hole in it. When you reach for it and discover it gone, you know that taste you get in your mouth? That's what burgundy tastes like. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]

Drew

[robr]

A taste like pennies. Ahhhh...

[winoweenie]

I could dam-up both the Napa and Russian rivers with the bucks I've spent on bad burgandies. The few "sock-rollers" I've experienced can't compensate for the hundreds of horrid bottles that went in the terlit. The consitantly great burganies(ie Romanee-Conti,Jayer, et.al.) reqire a second mortage on the homestead to buy more than a bottle. WW

[robr]

That's interesting. I knew the stuff was expensive, but I did not know it was also so inconsistent in quality. Methinks I will try to find some Central Coast PNs.

I just bought one from Carneros (south of Sonoma, I think) which is an area recommended by Oz Clarke for great PN and Chardonnay in his new book.

[winoweenie]

Lots of fine Pinots from the Carneros area. BV owns a lovely plot there. WW

[TheEngineer]

I'd like to think that things were changing in the land of the Burgs, and hopefully some things will. There are reasonably consistent producers our there that are not $$$. Vincent Girardin comes to mind, as does Alex Gambel, Franck Magnien, and Joseph Drouhin.

Otherwise, you are right, more hit and miss than just about any other region of that level of fame.

[This message has been edited by TheEngII (edited 01-03-2006).]

[wondersofwine]

If you come across Digioia-Royer Chambolle-Musigny, it is outstanding for a village Burgundy. I also like Alex Gambal's wines and some from Beaune or Santenay that are not as pricy.

[robr]

I will take note of those names. In the meantime, I just found a bottle of 2004 Anapamu (Native American Chumash for "rising place")PN which proclaims on the label that it is from Monteray county. It was about $14 at my local grocer.

I'm looking forward to trying this!

[Kcwhippet]

Ah yes, Anapamu - another one of E&J Gallo's many, many labels. I've tried many over the years and found some really nice wines from Gallo, but I haven't tried Anapamu yet.

[wondersofwine]

I think I tried one pinot noir several years ago and wasn't impressed. I hope Berny has better luck.