More than ever before, I am starting to LOVE well-produced Pinot Noir from around the world—especially new world wines that reflect old world styles and sensibilities. If you feel the same, be sure to savor a few sips of the 2016 Chalone Vineyard Pinot Noir.
Chalone Vineyard is the sole winery in the Chalone American Viticultural Area (AVA) and the oldest producing vineyard in Monterey County, California. Perched in the Gavilan Mountain Range that extends up to 1,800 feet above the Salinas Valley below, this vineyard sits at the base of an extinct volcano but high above the fog that rolls into the valley below. Intense sunlight therefore penetrates the vines to promote grape ripening, while temperatures are gently moderated by mists and cool air from the Pacific Ocean. Afternoon cooling pronounced, providing a wide diurnal shift of 40 to 60 degrees. The net effect is that the growing season is slowed and extended, concentrating the flavors within each precious grape while retaining prized acidity. Vines here enjoy limestone-rich soils similar to those in Burgundy. If you close your eyes and take a sip, you might just think a Burgundy is in your glass.
Primary aromas and flavors of the 2016 Chalone Vineyards Pinot Noir included a bowl of ripe, Puyallup Valley, Washington strawberries that interplay with Valentine’s Day rose petals, Saturday morning Chamomile tea, and a dash of black pepper. Secondary notes included oak, with well-integrated notes of vanilla bean, white chocolate, and cloves. Early tertiary notes included a welcomed undercurrent of damp forest floor. This wine was dry, with medium acidity, high alcohol (but did not taste hot), medium (+) aroma and flavor intensity, medium body, and medium (-) tannins that were ripe. The finish was medium (+).
The 2016 Chalone Vineyards Pinot Noir tickled my tummy like many fine Burgundies. Cheers!
