"NEXT:" 2007 Pinot Noir (Eugene, OR)

This enjoyable bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir accomplishes a good deal in its subtlety, and is especially striking in its nose. It's most significant flavors are earth and loam, but its nose includes wildflowers and meadow grasses. The nose, simply put, is wonderful. The winemaking also shows good craftmanship. The bottle's psuedo-poetry remarks "we always stand at a crossroads" and this bottle indeed reminds us of that--standing at the crossroads of mediocrity and excellence--it could use a shove in one of the two directions. As it stands, I found it to be lacking in the "bite" or harshness that belies low-quality (and low cost) pinot noirs, but also lacking that which would make it a stellar pinot. [note: this photo features the tough, arduous life of a wine blogger]

Presentation: ****

Nose: ****

Complexity: **

Value: *

Overall: ***

Georges Duboeuf 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau

While not the normal style of presentation that I tend to like, this in-your-face metallic gold, yellow and red bottle makes a big statement. The wine that is held within is a real treat: it's straightforward enough, yet has some lingering aftertaste notes of vanilla and cloves, making it's overall complexity rather delightful. For anyone who's tasted and enjoyed V. Sattui's Gamay, this knocks it's socks off. It's smoothness and velvety mouthfeel rival many good California Syrahs, but with a far lower alcohol content (12.5%). And at about $10 a bottle, it's a value as well.

Presentation: *****

Nose: ***

Complexity: ****

Value: ****

Overall: ****