2004 Pellegrini Olivet Lane Pinot Noir

[wondersofwine]

I debated whether to have Riesling, a Brun Beaujolais Old Vines or a Pinot Noir with the schnitzel dish. Tried a sip of the 2005 Loosen Brothers Riesling (too sweet for an entree course) and a sip of the Pinot Noir and went with the above Pinot.

Nana's Restaurant prepared the thin veal schnitzel slices with a lemon-butter caper sauce and served them with walnut spaetzle, bits of goat cheese, cooked turnips and pearl onions. Wonderful! It transported me back to Europe although the spaetzle (like little delicate dumplings) were not quite like I have had this dish in Germany.

Now the 2004 Pellegrini Olivet Lane Pinot Noir
Heady nose. Rather like a black cherry liqueur with no cola (thankfully) in sight (or smell and taste). Considerable body. Legs on side of glass. Elegance, smoothness, tastes of mature vines. Soft tannins on the finish. A hint of clove and possibly mocha. This may hold for several more years. I really like this!!

I had just been reading about Pellegrini's Olivet Lane vineyard in the book "North American Pinot Noir." This vineyard furnishes P.N. grapes to Gary Farrell, Merry Edwards and Williams Selyem wineries--not a bad list!!

I declined dessert but had an Irish coffee. I first asked for it without whipped cream but realized this was a mistake and had to reverse course. It is just not the same drink without whipped cream.

Another great dinner at Nana's where Scott Howell presides in the kitchen.

[Kcwhippet]

Siduri also makes an Olivet Lane.

[wondersofwine]

Thanks for the info KC.

[dananne]

Will look for it, and thanks for the nice notes!