Pinot Month 6-pack Sampler #1

This sampler features some of our favorite Pinots in a range of styles and from a variety of regions.  Italy, California, France, New Zealand and Oregon all represented here.
 

Included in the Sampler (1 bottle each):

Lucy "Pico Blanco" (California) - A harmonious blend of 85% Pinot Gris and 15% Pinot Blanc, the 2022 (Pisoni/Lucia) Lucy Pico Blanco is quite simply, delicious. Elegant aromas of fresh honeysuckle, white peach, and candied ginger become more pronounced as a backdrop of wet stone and fresh sea air giving the impression this wine was procured from the Monterey coast itself. These two old-world varieties meld together seamlessly on the palate in a youthful and approachable manner, as flavors of crisp pear and candied pineapple are supported by chalky, yet supple texture and lingering finish.

R Stuart "Big Fire" Pinot Gris (Oregon) - Rob Stuart, longtime winemaker at Erath, one of the Willamette Valley's most important winery, started his own label in 2001. A tropical citrus nose with fresh green notes of kaffir lime and lemon bay leaf. Spicy, sweet, floral notes of jasmine and lilac combine with raw almonds. The palate is a citrus salad of lemon, lime, grapefruit, plus nectarine. Honeysuckle and minerality add complexity, and the whole package is accentuated with bright acid.

Domaine Michel Magnien (France) - Coteaux Bourguignons shows bright and fresh red-fruit character with notes of earth and spice. Various terroirs in the Côte de Nuits and some village-level wine contributes to the weight and richness to this otherwise fresh-tasting Burgundy unadorned with the taste of new oak. It’s a pure expression of red Burgundy from biodynamically farmed grapes. 

Lumos "Five Blocks" Pinot Noir (Oregon) - Grape grower Dai Crisp farms the Temprance Hill Vineyard for its owner and gets to pick his 3 favorite blocks each year for his own use.  He takes those 3 blocks and blends them with 2 blocks from his own Wren Vineyard to create the Five Blocks Pinot Noir.  Crafted with Dai's  impeccably farmed organic fruit, this beautifully made Oregon Pinot Noir entices with expressive red fruit aromas of red cherry, red currant, raspberry combined with hints of campfire smoke. In the mouth, the red fruit flavors combine with notes of green tea and cremini mushroom. 

Schug Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (California) - Well-structured, this textural and delicious wine fills the mouth with grippy tannins, snappy raspberries, black tea and rhubarb. Although not too deep in color, it has a full body and lots of flavor impact. Plus, the wine is available in quantity at an affordable price. Pair with braised lamb shanks or mushroom risotto. Editors' Choice - 93pts Wine Enthusiast

Mud House (New Zealand) - Marlborough has emerged as the top spot for Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand and they produce some pretty good Pinot Noir there too.  Our favorite spot though for NZ Pinot is Central Otago.  Fresh, succulent raspberry and maraschino cherry flavors are smooth, plump and juicy, with cedar, chai tea, tobacco and clove details that linger effortlessly on the finish.