This Pinot Noir reminds me of Williams Selyem, Gary Farrell, and…

This Pinot Noir reminds me of Williams Selyem, Gary Farrell, and Rochioli Pinots.  I was so impressed with the fact that this is NOT an over-extracted Pinot Noir. It’s not the big, over the top, juicy wine that seems to be a fad in California right now.  This is a pristine pinot, with minerality, elegance, and precision.  The flavors in this La Pitchoune are bright, energetic, and bursting at the seams.  This has wonderful acidity, balance, and a unique mouthwatering finish that isn’t cloying or heavy.  These guys knocked it out of the park in 2012 with this wine and I was flabbergasted when tasting it.  They spared no expense in their vineyard and you can literally feel the passion of how they hand craft all 11 barrels to make a statement.

This is such a delicious wine to enjoy on its own and I can only imagine how well this will compliment all foods.  This is a steal for the quality and you can expect to hear great things from this winery going forward.

Inspired by a small family property in the South of France, La Pitchoune means ‘the little one.’ The name speaks to small production, small lots, and the idea that our small size is our greatest asset. At La Pitchoune, we prize the special care we can apply to our craft. By combining passion, art and science, we ensure that each blend is expressed to its fullest potential. 

2012 La Pitchoune Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast – $59/b/$708 case

The 2012 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a perfect representation of what a La Pitchoune wine should be; elegant, restrained, and yet full of flavor. It is also an excellent reflection of its origin. The soil, the fog, and the influence of the cool ocean air make an impression in the glass. Upon the first sip, the superb viscosity will not go unnoticed. Notes of black cherries, orange blossoms, and the suggestion of black tea soon follow, and continue to tempt the senses. The finish is deliciously intact, with a distinct characteristic of freshly ground black pepper. While this wine is more than happy to stand up on its own, pairing it with some food will set the tone and enhance any meal. Decanting recommended. Aged in French oak for 11 months. 270 cases produced. Drink 2015 – 2025.

Brian Dunlap is a Senior Wine Advisor with the Wine Spectrum in Santa Rosa, California.  Brian joined the Wine Spectrum after working as a wine consultant for a wine brokerage in Northern California.  While being in the rare and boutique wine business for 8 years, Brian has been a lifelong resident in the Russian River Valley.   While being an avid collector and connoisseur of the worlds greatest wines, Brian also spends a large amount of time tending to his own vineyard and making a barrel of zinfandel each year.

“Artisan wine has been a great passion to me ever since I tasted the lineup of Martinelli wines.  While recognizing that wine is a living, breathing beauty, I have the desire to learn about fine wine in all aspects.  I take great pride in advising my clients what are collectable wines, values, whats new and hot, and what I would recommend purchasing based on your specifc preferences so that you can make informed purchases. I encourage you to contact me if you would like to learn more about the wines I provide or myself.”  – Brian Dunlap, Senior Wine Advisor