Wine without BS

DeBortoli 2008 Gulf Station Pinot Noir

There really is no point fluffing about here as it took just one sip of this wine for me to know that I had stumbled upon something truly fantastic. It's everything I like about Pinot, with nothing I don't - smooth, fruit driven, delicious and seriously good value. Enough said!

DeBortoli 2008 Gulf Station Pinot Noir
Price - $15 from Dan Murphy's and other major retailers
Region - Yarra Valley, Victoria
Final Sip - If you like Pinot and only had $15 to spend buy this! If you had $30 to spend, buy two bottles!

 

Morandé - Edición Limitada 2007 Pinot Noir

 
 
 

I am rather excited about introducing this wine to people. If I was to compile a list of the more fascinating wines of the world I have tried over the past few years this Chilean Pinot Noir is right up on that list. While Chile may not be a wine producing country that instantly comes to mind when looking at Pinot Noir, the Casablanca Valley is one of Chile's coolest wine regions, making it far more suitable to a variety like Pinot Noir that requires a cooler temperature to thrive.

Using organically grown grapes, this wine is limited to just 33 barrels making it somewhat rare and far from the type of wine you'll find on the shelf of your larger retailers. I first experienced this wine at the 2010 Good Food and Wine Show in Sydney, which coincidentally led me to another weird and wonderful international wine just the year before.

We start off with the pretty standard Pinot Noir colour of cherry and ruby red, however this is about the only part of this wine many would suggest is 'typical' of the variety. A strong nose with multiple aromas of things like jammy fruit, flowers and spices instantly have you knowing this wine is a little different. On the palate there is a range of unique flavours, many of which I am happy to admit I find difficult to tie down to anything really specific . I also find myself realising where the commonly used, but largely unhelpful descriptor, of 'complex' possibly becomes acceptable. There are definitely some hints of things like vegetables and meaty-like flavours and there is a rather subtle saltiness that is in no way unpleasant.

An important thing to point out is that saying a wine is 'interesting' or 'unique' doesn't necessarily mean it is good or enjoyable. To set the record straight this is a good wine and the few people I shared it with all gave positive feedback. However, it is not the style of wine that I expect many people will have again and again, yet at the same time the experience will be savoured by most.

Morandé Edición Limitada - 2007 Pinot Noir
Price: $30 from www.southerncrosswines.com.au
Region: Casablanca Valley, Chile
Recommended? Absolutely, this is a perfect example of the truly eclectic wines from around the world and for those wanting to try new things and expand their wine experiences the Morandé Edición Limitada Pinot Noir at just $30 could not come more highly recommended!

NOTE: This wine will be included in my next 'No BS' wine event, Pinot Fest, to be held in Sydney on October 20th at Fix St James wine bar and restaurant, located at 111 Elizabeth street, Sydney. Tickets are $95 a head and includes a four course meal and nine Pinot Noir based wines. A glass of Grand Cru Burgundy is being offered as an optional extra for $40 and will served in the beautiful Riedel 'Grand Cru' glass. This event is strictly limited to 30 places and anyone in Sydney on that date interested in attending should email me at stewart@winewithoutbs.com.au

Bloodwood - Pinot Noir 2006

Having recently enjoyed a private tasting at Bloodwood with owner Rhonda Doyle I got to try the vast majority of the current Bloodwood range. While nearly all of the wines I tasted that day where enjoyable the fact that the 2006 Pinot Noir was in such limited supply we where not able to try it in our tasting I had no hesitation in buying a bottle to take home.

This Pinot Noir is very good and one of the most subtle wines I have ever had the pleasure of trying. It's strangely more enjoyable in smaller sips and is so easy drinking that you can really stretch out the enjoyment of this wine by going slow, one small sip at a time. It is also rather dark in colour for a Pinot Noir and has a nice aroma.

My only complaint is not of the wine itself but the tasting note on the label itself and I quote, "Those ladies old handbags are slinking about the palate again, complementing the delicate tannins"

Given the choice of hitting up my local bingo night to lick a few old dearies handbags or sit down and slowly sip a Bloodwood Pinot I'll take the latter any day!

Bloodwood - Pinot Noir 2006
Price - $45 at the cellar door (which is by appointment only) or order on-line at www.bloodwood.com.au
Region - Orange, NSW
Recommended? Yes, particularly if smooth, subtle wines are to your liking!