Top Sips from IPNC 2011
September 2011
Photos
Vineyard Tour and Winery Lunch with Name that Pinot at Argyle Winery - Dundee, ORIPNC 2011 Al Fresco Lunch from Chefs Rocky Maselli of Osteria Sfizio and Stephanie Pearl Kimmel of Marche - McMinville, OR
IPNC 2011 White Wine and Cheese Pairing with Laura Werlin - McMinnville, OR
IPNC 2011 Sparkling Brunch Finale - McMinnville, Oregon
IPNC 2011 La Grande Fete - McMinnville, OR
Pre-IPNC Dinner from team of Aviary of Portland, OR at R Stuart & Co - McMinnville, OR
IPNC 2011 Northwest Salmon Bake - McMinnville, OR
This August we attended the 2011 International Pinot Noir Celebration for the first time. The Pinot Noir fest unites wine producers of the grape from around the world, not to mention sommeliers, pinot nuts, and wine-happy consumers. It also turned 25 this year! We went, we saw, we tasted. And these are the wines we can’t stop talking about.
1) R. Stuart & Co. “Rosé d’Or,” NV
Nose: Floral notes, mild red fruit
Flavor Profile: Bright acidity, gentle spice notes, muted fruitiness
More Bubbly: Adult Apple Cider from France
2) Mt. Difficulty Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand 2009
Nose: Blackberries, raspberries, hint of thyme
Flavor Profile: Soft, red fruit and cinnamon on the mid-palate, high acidity on the finish
More New Zealand Pinots: Pinot Passion: New Zealand Pinot Noirs Make Their Mark
3) Belle Pente Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon 2006
Nose: Dark fruit, strawberry jam
Flavor Profile: Ripe red fruit, bitter dark cherries, mildly floral finish; very structured and food friendly
More Oregon Pinots: A Visit to the Willamette Valley
4) Argyle Winery Brut Rosé, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2008
Nose: Bouquet of roses, black raspberries
Flavor Profile: Black raspberries, green cardamom, cranberries on the mid-palate, orange peel, cream, and red berries on the finish
More Brut Rosés: Rosé Champagne Gets Serious for Valentine's
5) Gloria Ferrer Brut Rosé, Carneros, California 2007
Nose: Strawberries and cream, ripe pears, hint of yeast and roses
Flavor Profile: Creamy at first, raspberries and quince on mid-palate, candied citrus peel and bright acidity on the finish
More California Wine Country: What to Eat and Where to Stay in California’s Wine Country
6) Matello Whistling Ridge Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge, Oregon 2009
Nose: Honeysuckle, cherries, tarragon, thyme, rosemary, damp earth
Flavor Profile: Ripe black cherries, red fruit, licorice, dark chocolate, long finish
More Pinot Noirs: Pinots from the Middle of California
7) Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia 2009
Nose: Red berries, allspice, leather
Flavor Profile: Tart raspberries, cranberries, minerally, smoky finish
More British Columbia: An International Escape: Where to Eat, Drink, and Stay in Vancouver
Related Links
- International Pinot Noir Celebration Turns 25
- Which Particular Pinot Would you Prefer?
- Pinot Passion: New Zealand Pinot Noirs Make Their Mark
- A Visit to the Willamette Valley, Part I
- A visit to Willamette Valley's Wineries, Part II
- Where and What on the Winelist: Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
- Adult Apple Cider from France
- Rosé Champagne gets Serious for Valentine's
- Pinots from the Middle of California
