{"title":"Feb 11: The 6 Best Pinot Noir","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"bodega-chacra-lunita-pinot-noir-patagonia-argentina-2023","title":"Bodega Chacra, 'Lunita' Pinot Noir, Patagonia, Argentina, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZCPkOeZclzQ?si=tpecuGkTYrJkvc89\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBodega Chacra is located in the Rio Negro Valley of northern Patagonia. The property’s location in the arid central Argentine desert is tempered by the confluence of the Neuquen and Limay Rivers, both of which flow from the Andes and converge in the Rio Negro, which in turn flows into the Atlantic. The climate is dry, with a maximum humidity of thirty percent and an average of seven inches of rainfall annually. This aridity, coupled with the natural barrier of the surrounding desert, results in a complete absence of phylloxera and vine diseases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dblColumnContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"dblColumn dblColumn-1 text-6\"\u003eChacra was created in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, whose grandfather started the legendary Sassicaia Winery in Tuscany. Pieros’ intention was to find the most unobstructed expression of the climate, micro-climate, and terroir of Mainqué in the Río Negro region of Patagonia. Respecting the environment by following biodynamic and organic principles, Piero strives to make wines that are transparent, pure, delicate, and floral with a strong minerality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Patagonia, a “chacra” is a special piece of land separated by canals that bring snowmelt from the Andes and make the Patagonian desert fertile. At the same time, chacras are vital energy centers that provide us with the ability to connect with the whole universe, with everything living and vibrating. In its nourishment, in the marriage with every meal, wine is the companion of pleasure and sensitivity. Wine is intimate and touches all our senses. Chacra aims to enhance that connection. Respecting and enhancing the community of Chacra is of the utmost importance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCertified Organic and Biodynamic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePiero Incisa della Rocchetta\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePinot Noir\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePatagonia, Argentina \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"vs2-productDetail-attributes\" data-bind=\"foreach: AttributeList \u0026amp;\u0026amp; AttributeList.split('\\n')\"\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLunita is a very special wine to me. It is made from a very old, un-grafted, tiny vineyard of 1.5 hectares that we nourished back to life over the course of the last 13 years. The vineyard sits on the middle part of our valley and has an equal amount of calcarious material, sand pebbles, and clay. In prior years, the grapes of the Lunita vineyard were destined to Barda, as I felt that the vines were still somewhat not perfectly balanced. Slowly, as the vineyard came back to life, we decided to ferment it separately. Lunita’s grapes are picked early in the morning and are fermented in an open cement tank in whole clusters. The wine is not extracted nor concentrated as we ferment it by infusions. 50% of the elevage is done in used oak barrels and the remainder 50% is fermented in cement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncredibly perfumed with violets and white flowers, followed by raspberry, cherry and strawberry flavors. Sliced lemon rind notes with mineral and fine wet sand undertones. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that run the length of the wine and give a beautiful, rather endless finish. Planted in 1945. Only 2 hectares. Best Lunita ever. Drink or hold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grand Cru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50453213577521,"sku":null,"price":59.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/BodegaChacra_Lunita_PinotNoir_Patagonia_Argentina_2023.jpg?v=1734212636"},{"product_id":"maxem-silver-eagle-pinot-noir-sonoma-california-2022","title":"Maxem, 'Silver Eagle Vineyard', Pinot Noir, Sonoma, California, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ccb_3jzAEyc?si=yVDa3xJYK_zAbyDY\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePronounced MAX-EM - Maxed out wines from Sam Kaplan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSam, in his winemaking career, has been on the ground floor of some of Napa Valley’s most exciting wine projects in recent history, helping to plant vineyards, build wineries and cement reputations with wines that speak of the unparalleled sites in which they’re grown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNancy, as a chef, spent years in top restaurants in New York and Napa Valley, honing her craft and her palate beside celebrated chefs who demanded nothing less than perfection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis project would not exist except for one very special person, Ulises Valdez. Ulises manages the UV Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast, a site well-known to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fanatics. We’d tasted wines from this vineyard several times, and though we knew it was a longshot, we decided to see if we could purchase some of its fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe site wasn’t the only thing attractive about UV, although its coastal location, well-drained soils, and meticulous farming protocol are precisely what we sought.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSam Kaplan \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"vs2-productDetail-attributes\" data-bind=\"foreach: AttributeList \u0026amp;\u0026amp; AttributeList.split('\\n')\"\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100% Pinot Noir\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSonoma, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMagenta in the glass with a deep garnet core, this stunning offering showcases the beautiful music that the VR and Calera clones can play together. Vibrant notes of red cherries, black raspberries, gardenias, lilacs, crushed violets, hints of saline, and crushed minerals meld effortlessly into an opulent and round palate layered with Stoetz Lane blackberry pie, raspberry preserves, sandalwood, wet slate, forest floor, and white pepper, all backed by a crimson acidity that canvases the mouth with every sip. Aged in 80% new French oak, the combination of ripe fruits and terroir-driven tension highlight an elevated harmony of beautiful fruits, exotic florals, and sultry spice. A round and juicy finish lifts the entire experience, with expressive notes of wild blackberries that linger on the tongue inviting you back for another taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Ian Blackburn\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAbsolutely stunning color leads to a nose of plush exotic cherry, forest floor, incense, cool sea breeze and saline notes.  The mouth is deep, dense, and yet zero bitterness - I would call this an absolute pleasure bomb but this is way more refined  ... Like a well endowed  figure stuffed in a nicely appointed and snug fitting leather suit with crunchy fruit skins, refined quality marks inside of a voluminous frame from this top quality vineyard of Ulises Valdez (UV).  WARNING:  The wine explodes in your glass and impacts your face and resulting in smile wrinkles on cheeks and forehead.  Hard to dent the quality and technique here, I had to work hard to keep 1 point for a possible upgrade on a 2nd tasting... can't wait.... this is a TINY PRODUCER - GRAB SOME IF YOU CAN FIND IT (YOU FOUND IT) .  Color 15\/15, Aroma 25\/25, Body 24.5\/25, Overall 34.5\/35\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2022 Pinot Noir Silver Eagle Vineyard was matured for 11 months in Remond, Taransaud and Chassin oak barrels. It has kaleidoscopic pomegranate, boysenberry and blood orange fruit with accents of charcuterie, licorice and graham cracker. The palate has a lacy frame of tannins and bright acidity that support surprisingly concentrated, spicy flavors, and its depth and freshness call you back to the glass again and again. 300 cases were made. [Erin Brooks, 29\/03\/2024]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51475263324465,"sku":null,"price":124.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Maxem_Silver_Eagle_Vineyard_Pinot_Noir_Sonoma_California_2022.jpg?v=1759606956"},{"product_id":"holocene-codex-pinot-noir-willamette-valley-oregon-2023","title":"Holocene, Codex, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Holocene Epoch began about 11,700 years ago, bringing a warm, stable climate after the last Ice Age. The stability allowed humans to start farming – and eventually, grow grapes and make wine. Our Mission is to craft terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, age-worthy, and true reflections of place and time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe value the connections that wine has provided us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are a small, family-owned wine brand with two generations at the helm. We source from dry-farmed vineyards using organic practices, and where sites possess a unique terroir. And while Holocene is focused on the varied soil types of the Willamette Valley, we also make wine in a few regions in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTodd Alexander\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Pinot Noir\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWillamette Valley, Oregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2023 Codex Pinot Noir is a transparent reflection of the Willamette Valley, as it is blended from multiple sites from within the AVA. Fermented entirely with whole clusters and native yeast, the wine developed over a long maceration using gentle extraction techniques to preserve elegance and aromatic complexity. Aged for 19 months in 20% new French oak, it offers a refined balance of red fruit, savory depth, and fine tannins. With 274 cases produced, Codex is a considered and expressive interpretation of the vintage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Owen Bargreen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2023 ‘Codex’ was stored in a small amount of new French oak (20%) before bottling. For 50 bucks USD, this is an incredible Oregon Pinot Noir. Silky and rich throughout the drinking experience, this exudes class with its core of Bing cherry, guava puree, cranberry and salty minerals, alongside Mandarin orange zest. This beautiful wine is already nicely evolved  and will cellar well for at least another ten years to coe. Drink 2025-2035\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51772946252081,"sku":null,"price":55.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Holocene_Codex_Pinot_Noir_Willamette_Valley_Oregon_2023.jpg?v=1756213685"},{"product_id":"10-ninths-radius-pinot-noir-santa-barbara-california-2021","title":"10 Ninths, Radius, Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9GU4WC0nW0c?si=lAqxYBzzwhSs_Dia\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eOur vineyards are located in the sloping, sandy soils at the westernmost edge of the Sta. Rita Hills, where a cool maritime influence results in a slow, deliberate ripening of the grapes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThrough minimal intervention viticultural practices, we aim to bring out the vibrant, balanced, and distinctive qualities of our 10 Ninths wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 10 Ninths, craftsmanship is our art form. Our team strives to create exceptional wines that harmonize with nature. Through regenerative methods, we nurture each vine in its native environment, yielding grapes that authentically embody our terroir's essence. Each wine we make is a symphony of passion and precision, and this ethos extends to our elegantly designed packaging, reflecting our meticulous attention to detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltimately, we aspire to lead the global luxury wine and hospitality industry by offering exclusive, sustainable excellence. We envision a future where our wines, in partnership with top-tier establishments, symbolize eco-conscious luxury. Over the next decade, we will strengthen our global presence, positively impact communities and the environment, and inspire a legacy of excellence, sustainability, and the art of living well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrederick Ammons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e2021: A year of intensity, marked by drought and late rains, producing concentrated flavors and a memorable complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover the quintessence of Sta. Rita Hills in this exquisite Pinot Noir blend, where the allure of classic aromatics mingles effortlessly with hints of violet and wild bramble. Crafted from the sandy soils of 10 Ninths, this wine exudes a playful levity and vibrant energy, counterbalanced by a profound depth and brooding weight that captivates the senses. Each sip reveals a complex aromatic evolution, enhancing persistence on the palate. More structured than the Sequence cuvée, it pairs perfectly with a meal yet stands magnificently on its own.\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2021 Pinot Noir Radius is a gorgeous wine from a favorable growing season. Velvety berry fruit and elegant structure are the orders of the day. Supple and focused, it is supremely clear and precise, with beautiful curves. Tea leaves, blood orange, and sweet black cherry flesh out, expanding like a peacock's tail on the epically long finish. What a beautiful wine. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eGenerous, open-knit aromatics precede a silky palate whose melted tannins have interwoven elegantly with black raspberry compote, star anise, toasted fennel seeds and minerals through the plush yet savory finish. Drink or hold.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"10 Ninths","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52014175355185,"sku":null,"price":44.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/10_Ninths_Radius_Pinot_Noir_Santa_Barbara_California_2021.jpg?v=1762375398"},{"product_id":"hamilton-russell-pinot-noir-hemel-en-aarde-valley-south-africa-2022","title":"Hamilton Russell, Pinot Noir, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFounded by Anthony Hamilton Russell in 1994, Southern Right’s aim is to produce a serious, age-worthy Pinotage (South Africa’s unique red grape variety) combining a distinct South African fruit and flavor expression with classic styling and refinement. In 2005, a stunningly beautiful 1,125 acre property on the western border of Hamilton Russell Vineyards was purchased as a long-term home for Southern Right, and in 2009, a 350 ton “Overberg”-style cellar, was completed on the property just in time for the 2009 harvest. Today the winery produces a Pinotage and a Sauvignon Blanc. The wines are named after the rare Southern Right whales, which frequent the cool South Atlantic Walker Bay, two miles from the vineyards. With each bottle sold, Southern Right makes a contribution to their conservation. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEmul Ross\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWalker Bay, South Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eOur low-vigour, stony, clay-rich soil, cool maritime mesoclimate, naturally tiny yields of well under 35 hl\/ha and our philosophy of expressing our terroir in our wines – give rise to a certain tightness, tannin line and elevated length to balance the richness and generosity of our Pinot noir. Our Pinot noir is not overtly fruity, soft and \"sweet\" and it generally shows hints of that alluring savoury \"primal\" character along with a dark, spicy, complex primary fruit perfume.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Owen Bargreen\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe brilliant 2022 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir is a highly nuanced, stunning rendition of this wine winemaker Emul Ross. Sourced from their estate vineyards in Hemel-En-Aarde, this offers kumquat zest and black truffle crudo on the nose alongside shades of pomegranate seed and damp earth. The palate is laden with minerality, showing a smooth mouthfeel and glorious sense of length. Enjoy this stunner now and over the next fifteen years. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Falstaff\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eCherry red, unfiltered. Herbal-spicy even more than fruity, with thyme and mint. Also sweet cherry. In the mouth, the wine is classically constructed, with fine-grained tannins in medium-high to high quantities, lots of juice and a lively acid backbone and a clear chalky-mineral finish. A fine elegance! \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePopping out of the glass with succulent dark red cherries and fresh potpourri essence, the 2022 Pinot Noir bursts with notes of wild herbs and turned earth. Medium-bodied, the palate offers flavors of black raspberry with a firm-gripping tannic edge. It shows seductive florals with spicy flavors and ends with a food-friendly finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis is a sleek pinot with notes of cloves, cranberries, thyme and raw mushrooms. Hints of iron. Medium-bodied, savory and nicely balanced, with fine-grained tannins.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Hamilton Russell winery is a pioneer in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and offers an elegant and spicy Pinot Noir. The nose opens with white pepper and nutmeg. An energized palate and tight tannins provide a good frame for strawberries, cherries and subtle dried herbs. Hints of cardamom appear in the aftertaste.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Wine Spectator\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eDetailed notes of plum skin, mulberry, paprika, eucalyptus and dried thyme are layered with fine, crisp tannins in this elegant red. Light- to medium-bodied and focused, with a subtle, minerally finish of smoke and tar accents. Drink now through 2029. 2,304 cases made.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Regal Wine Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52420623335729,"sku":null,"price":58.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Hamilton_Russell_Pinot_Noir_Hemel-en-Aarde_Valley_South_Africa_2022.jpg?v=1769173419"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/feb-11-the-6-best-pinot-noir.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}