Pinot Noirs are not just for the wine purists

Miles, in the movie Sideways with his pinot puritanical attitudes, goosed sales of pinot noir all over the world.

Of course, the styles vary, but it is still a tough grape to ripen properly, a temperamental grape to vinify, so wow does it attract eclectic winemakers who adore a challenge.

Making great pinot noir is an achievement, and today's selection are the best affordable pinot noirs in the latest raft to hit Vintages stores.

The top winners in tasting through dozens are not cheap. They were all from France and you won't find pinot noir on the label, as they are named after villages in Burgundy. The top trio, Domaine Parent Pommard Les Chanlins ($64.95), Joseph Drouhin Gevrey-Chambertin ($61.95) and Pierre Labet Beaune Clos du Dessur des Marconnets ($42.95) all are glorious, rating 92 points out of 100.

These are for those with big wallets and deep cellars.

For the rest of us, the five below are the winners, and we should be proud two of them are Canadian.

These are first-class pinots but won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Cheers!

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CONO SUR VISION SINGLE VINEYARD 2006 PINOT NOIR (CHILE) $15.95
The best value pinot noir in the current release at Vintages. Nice black cherry, cedar, and beetroot aromas transition into flavours alive with mellow black cherry and strawberry wrapped around a cedar core. A slightly bitter tannic finish.
LCBO # 689992
Food suggestion: Lamb souvlaki.
Rating: 88 out of 100


FLAT ROCK CELLARS 2005 PINOT NOIR (ONTARIO) $19.95
A terrific Niagara entry, with lovely candied cherry, cedar and vanilla aromas and hints of caramel and mocha. Classic beetroot, black cherry, cedar and vanilla round out the earthy flavours. Great sub $20 pinots from Canada are a rarity.
LCBO # 1545
Food suggestion: Sweet glazed ribs.
Rating: 90


MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2005 (B.C.) $24.95
From one of the outstanding B.C. producers, this pinot shows vanilla, black cherry and cedar aromas. On the palate, spicy candied cherry and beetroot unfold, with a full-bodied style and a spicy kick on the finish.
LCBO # 545012
Food suggestion: Mushroom risotto.
Rating: 90


RODNEY STRONG ESTATE VINEYARDS 2005 PINOT NOIR (CALIFORNIA) $24.95
A Vintages Essential on the shelves all the time. Spicy smoky cranberry, cedar and strawberry jam aromas lead into slightly sweet strawberry, vanilla and cedar flavours. This is a consistent performer.
LCBO # 655878
Food suggestion: Smoked grilled salmon.
Rating: 90

CASTELLO DI NEIVE I CORTINIA ROSSE 2005 (ITALY) $28.95
Without doubt the best Italian pinot nero (pinot noir) I have sipped in years. Lovely vanilla accented aromas show licorice and an exotic hint of sweet clover. The flavours seduce with black licorice, cherrywood, and vanilla. A sweetish finish.
LCBO # 46144
Food suggestion: Duck breast.
Rating: 91

 

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gstimmell@thestar.ca