Wine Blogging Wednesday #14

I am jumping the gun by posting early (as have about 5 others) so that I can work on the ReCap, and I have an all day golf tournament to attend. Also, let this serve as a reminder for other bloggers that tomorrow is The Day.

This month's topic is New New World Pinot Noir. That is Pinot from someplace other than France or the West Coast of the US. I personally think Oregon is producing some of the best Pinots right now but then again I like lots of fruit and a big nose. I was curious to see Pinots from other areas so I issued the challenge to seek out other Pinots.

2002 Dyed-in-the Wool, "Unchangeable" Pinot Noir ($15) -- Cantebury, New Zealand. In my search for "new" Pinots this one caught my eye while ordering lunch at Carls in Hyde Park. I thought they only produced Sauvignon Blanc in the grapefruit/grass style there. Couldn't find much about the producer on the label or the internet, but the color was a pale red, the aroma was light and I did't find much fruit or finish. In a word, simple. I would pass next time.

I have recently enjoyed some Chilean Pinots for the same price with tons of fruit and finish with much more complexity, and for $35 have really enjoyed a big Spanish Pinot from Torres.

I had not planned tasting more than one wine, but I didn't want to end with a mediocre choice. So here is one from the past.

2000 T'Gallant Pinot Noir ($15) -- Mornington Peninsula, Australia. Pale red color whith a big smokey/bacony nose, full, soft fruits and a long finish with structure. Went great with leftover grilled pork chops and summer squash and a movie, "Ghandi". At its original price of $30 it has competition, but marked down to $15, it's a steal.