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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/41359
CHEERS WINE PANEL (93) J. Lohr Falcon's Perch Pinot Noir 2009 (California). Soft berry flavors and aromas, but has just the right amount of tannins to stand up to the most delicious of meals; the velvet texture leaves a wonderful finish. ($17) (93) Rippon Mature Vine Lake Wanaka Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008 (New Zealand). This wine is fruit forward with cooked strawberries and sweet spice; hints of licorice and herbs finish it off. ($40) (92) Adastra Carneros Pinot Noir 2008 (California). Ripe raspberry, cranberry and plum on the palate; earthy notes round out this ruby hued 2008; it is velvety thick and almost creamy. ($40) (92) Domaine Alain Gras St. Romaine Rouge 2009 (France). Balanced fruit, tannin and spice; a pleasure with a simple roast chicken; silky long finish; drink within the next five years. ($32) (92) Ampelos Cellars Lambda Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2007 (California). Black cherry cola dominates the flavors with a subtle spicy character; star anise and an earthy tone set the stage for an elegant and complex palate. ($28) (92) Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2008 (Oregon). It is delicate and nuanced; black cherry, spice and a plenty of acidity make this worthy of cellaring and one of Oregon's finest. ($45) (92) Hartford Court "Land's Edge" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2007 (California). Deep and complex in the nose, this wine is more Burgundian on the palate with subtle, long-flowing flavors. ($25) (92) Irony Russian River Pinot Noir 2009 (California). Nice depth, richness and concentration; almost syrah-like in color, this wine has many layers of fruit as soon as it hits the palate; black cherry, blackberry, strawberry and raspberry flavors are followed by a hint of cola and vanilla on a spicy finish; kudos to Delicato as it is not easy to find a Russian River Pinot Noir of this quality at such an affordable price. ($21) (92) Pierre Labet Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009 (France). Delicate flavors of red cherry, spice and subtle cocoa notes are complemented by an elegant palate. The acidity is perfectly balanced with a soft, long finish. ($20) (92) Rodney Strong Reserve Pinot Noir 2008 (California). Dominated by raspberry and blackberries, the Russian River fruit in this wine is nearly irresistible. ($35) (92) Scene 17 Pinot Noir 2009 (New Zealand). Truly a complex pinot noir from the other side of the world; starts with earthy tones of blueberry and leads to dark cassis; finishes long with a touch of oak. ($25) (92) Yamhill Falls Pinot Noir 2009 (Oregon). A pinot that speaks of terroir, with subtle earthy notes; the palate is subtle but www.cheersonline.com complex and actually shows some intensity in the finish; firm red raspberry, black cherry, Asian plum and subtle spice notes along with a hint of truffle; good balance and length. ($22) (92) Vylyan Villanyí Pinot Noir 2006 (Hungary). This is an amazing example from the best red wine region in Hungary, the Villanyí Hills; the wine is full of strawberries and raspberries with notes of mushrooms and forest floor; a strong finish with lingering flavors of vanilla and chocolate; good value. ($19) (91) Argyle Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2009 (Oregon). Lovely cherry and earth notes; bright Bing cherry flavors surrounded by hints of cedar; very easy to drink due to its velvety and creamy mouthfeel; vibrant acidity and light plum round out the overall finish; a wonderful food wine. ($24) (91) Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir 2009 (California). This is an exceptional blend from Sonoma, Santa Barbara and Monterey counties; blackberry aroma; blackberry, cherry and cola taste and a medium to long finish. ($20) (91) Louis Jadot Couvent des Jacobins Pinot Noir 2009 (France). A well-made Burgundy in a great vintage; lush and creamy, this wine offers a blend of berry and cherry flavors along with exotic spice on a lively, long, finish. ($30) (91) Domaine Mestre Santenay 1er Cru Les Gravieres 2009 (France). The bright fruit on the nose with exceptional balance and black berry fruit on the palate; another winner from an exceptional red Burgundy vintage. ($30) (91) River Road Russian River Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 (California). A good representation of Russian River Pinot Noir; flavors of strawberry and cherry fill the mouth; balanced by vanilla components from the oak barrels. ($18) (90) Allendorf "Exclusiv" Spatburgunder Pinot Noir 2008 (Germany). Soft, supple and very quaffable; aromas of lilac and berry lead to a palate of lush black fruit with a nuance of sweet apple; refreshing sweet and tart finish; lovely with grilled salmon; a good bargain. ($14) (90) Anakena Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010 (Chile). Layers of ripe red fruit; strawberries, cherries and spiciness; just a hint of floral aromas and earthiness; soft silky tannins and good acidity to balance on the palate. ($14) (90) Bethel Heights Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2007 (Oregon). This is a great value from the Willamette Valley; full of ripe cherries and fragrant strawberries; flowers dominate a long finish. ($18) (90) Chime Pinot Noir 2009 (California). It has an aroma of caramel-covered Tootsie Roll, but in an earthy way; the flavor is complex, smoky, grapey and fruity; a pinot for red meats. ($13) SEPTEMBER 2011 | 45