Liza's Pinot Summit Favorites

Lazy Creek

 Last Saturday's Pinot Summit put on by the wonderful Barbara Drady at Affairs of the Vine was a wine filled delight.  Starting around 1:30, we reported to the FiDi Hilton and were swept away by an assortment of Pinot.  Pinot Noir can be difficult, but when done well, is amazing.  And done well can mean so many different styles from restrained, chiseled Burgundian to florid, nearly Zinlike.  There is a Pinot for everyone.  Tasting blind throws a cool angle in as well.  With no label, place or producer visible, it really is about one's perception of the glass in front of you.  I always find something new to love.  This year, there was a lot to love.
I had a tie for my number one spot and voted accordingly.  So in Alphabetical order:

'09 Lazy Creek Vineyards, Estate Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California, USA. ($42) This wine was a bright garnet with aromas of cherry and a drop of vanilla.  It had a nice acidity and a sensation of balanced deliciousness.  I physically had trouble spitting it out because it was so tasty.  They are in the process of updating the tasting room, which is in Philo.  It sounds like a place I would definitely like to visit to try the other varieties of wine that they produce.  If the Pinot is any indication, there are treats out there to find.

Deb Mayo, our Pinot Hero!

'09 Petite Abeille, Petite Abeille Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California USA ($35).  This wine had a seductive color, clear garnet with coppery hints. It has that delicious, RRV Pinot perfumey cherry with spiced vanilla.  Flavors to match with a nice acidity and a lovely cherry kissed lingering finish.  We got to chat a little with Deb Mayo who grows the grapes and makes the wine.  She uses four clones to grow the fruit that shapes her final product; Calera, Pommard, Swan 828  I found her fun and informative and will certainly be  on the lookout for this wonderful wine.

More later on some additional favortites as well as a breakdown of the top vote getters in the other categories.