If there was ever a wine that I could really enjoy endorsing to readers, this would be it.
I learned a long time ago, that despite the uncontrollable determinants of grape growing, winemaking is generally in a constant state of improvement. When I first started collecting wine, I was constantly buzzing about after good deals and good wine as if it would elude me and disappear forever; it ultimately made me a bit nuts. Now, I have no interest in hoarding cases of solid $14 Rioja—instead, my search for the next best thing never stops. Rarely do I buy more than 6 bottles of anything anymore. Unless you’re purchasing legendary wine from the most sought-after vineyards in the world, it’s best to keep the wheels turning, let your palate grow and expand; we’re not at the top yet.
But, this debut Pinot Noir from Beau Pere Cellars is the first wine in a long time that tickled my hoarding bone—I know, that sounds disgusting, but it’s a pearl. My prediction is that it’s sophomore vintage will be quite a bit more expensive. I could be wrong, but this small production wine is going to be sold out long before the 2009 makes the shelves. Basic rule of business: if your product sells out faster than you can replace it, it’s too cheap.
This is a wine I would love for readers to try—it doesn’t get much more special than this. Feedback please! I would love to do a follow-up post on your thoughts.
From my tasting notebook:
Under 600 cases and under $20. Angelic nose of rose water, raspberry, plum, and ground nut spices. Layered and exotic—a palate offering distinct, Asian flavors. Combines suggestions of coconut milk, green tea, blood orange, and fennel. Seriously silky.
Skillfully balanced, demonstrating grace beyond its years and price point. Beau Pere just unleashed the Tickle me Elmo of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Get on this quick.
Purdy’s in Saratoga Springs
Wine Library $17.98 (best shipping cost)
OakTreeWines.com $13.98
[Carey enjoyed el vino so much she was inspired to cook me dinner! She even rifled through the cabinet in search of orange blossom green tea for some sniff comparison.]
have you tried a Pinot Noir called the Pinot project?
I have not, even though I have heard good things. Michael Skurnik, a legendary importer/distributer, used his vast reach and industry contacts to access quality Pinot Noir in California that might otherwise not be sold in a difficult economy.
For the last couple years I have been writing about a similar concept called ‘Vineyard Block Estate’ wines. They are basically high-end, single vineyard groupings (sourced from well-known producers), bottled generically and sold at a deep discount. The original grower/producer is kept secret and everybody wins!
Another company called 90+ Cellars is another purchaser/bottler of excess juice with a 90 point or higher rating. It’s pretty cool. They tell you how much was bottled, where the rating came from and the cost of the original. I tried a Carneros Pinot Noir that was damn decent. $17 down from $35.
I think we are going to be seeing much more of this in the future. Thanks for the recommendation.
If you like Pinot you must, must, must give the Beau Pere a try!
-Rob
thank you for the reply rob I am going to give your Beau Pere a try
can’t wait to try it.
I really hope you like it! Put it in the fridge for 30 minutes first. Pinot is awesome with a slight chill.
Okay I need to try this! I’ll keep you posted. If I’m not too drunk from drinking the entire thing. Not that I’ve ever done that.
Hey awesome—let me know how it goes! Thanks for commenting!