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I am not sure about the relationship of PN to cooler weather (maybe cooler wine growing regions), but no matter - Pinot Noir is fine. It is probably easiest to allow PN from any region of the world this time round, but it might be interesting in future to consider Burgundy PN (any level... does not have to be classified growth) alone at some juncture. Also, North American PN might be interesting, or even North versus South America, if people can find enough physical capacity to down at least two bottles.
Just some ideas. I also am interested in the wines of Western Australia - although my knowledge right now is a bit shaky since I have not purchased any for some time. There are fantastic Rhone and Bordeaux style wines I've sampled in the past, but the epicurean residue of such memories are fading. Maybe I need a refresher?
Now I've probably confused things. But a good PN (if you are lucky enough to find a truly satisfying one... they are notoriously finicky) is nectar of the gods and I am all for a PN tasting. Might shock the palate after those brutes we tasted yesterday, but an exorcism may be in order!
SZ
Just a remark on Portugal... and Spain, if you like: both regions are historically underrepresented in wine stores (Spain always had Rioja, Portugal, Dao and Port, but beyond these, very little until the last decade or two). Before the advent of the internet and, of course, the craze for world travel (Algarve for January, anyone? - may have some Russian Mafia eating pickled delicacies nearby, though), exposure was limited to stores and restaurants owned and operated by those wonderful people of Hispania. It seems you got onto these gems early, PB. My knowledge is limited (mostly) to the Douro Valley and a few country wines around Lisboa, so it is good to have someone in the know on this site.
@EMark, I forgot to comment on your remark many posts above, as I agree with you 100%. Sometimes (perhaps not with our crowd) you have to ensure that others understand that a preference is just that: a preference - and that no one intends to attack the palates of others - even those with little or no experience in tasting. Difference can never really mean inferior - unless trivially, one says that "superior" is different from, say "inferior". You can only compare apples to apples or some category to another. Unfortunately, such comparison leads us astray (if qualitative difference is your game) because one could say "inferior wine" generically and be quite correct in the crowd travelled in. But not, I hasten to add, in the crowd not travelled in...
Cheers!
SZ
I'm open to the idea of a Burgundy Pinot Noir. Either that or perhaps a comparison between North American vs. French Pinot Noir - meaning you need to open two bottles.
Well, you know what they say (or something to the effect, that) two bottles are better than one! Anyway, whatever the preference of the group (not that I am one of those horrible "collectivists" jeered at by the Ayn Rand followers... hmmm, I wonder?). Call me an adaptable, clubbable individualist!
To contradict myself: North American (read: Oregon/California/Ontario/BC/Washington) versus Burgundy might be interesting. I suggest, however, that everyone try to choose the level of quality carefully so that the two wines are comparable in terms of where they stand in their own regions; that is, a high-end PN from Oregon would necessarily have to compare with a high-end wine from the Bourgogne...
How about comparing two wines of similar price? Say within $10 of each other ($300 Canadian).
I'd have to order a bottle of the French stuff - they don't grow on trees around here.
I'd have to order a bottle of the French stuff.
An easier alternative might be to stick with North America - or even one state. The problem for me up in the Great White North is that, quite the reverse of PB, I can get the French stuff, but may have to dig around considerably for a good choice of decent California PN (Washington is not a big producer). Oregon is not a problem, but may be limited to 6 or 7 producers here in Vancouver. Some BC Pinot, but sells out quickly.
SZ
You want to switch to Chenin Blanc?
That might bring up the question of availability of, say, Val de Loire wines west of Paris based on Chenin Blanc (Vouvray, e.g.) as these are worthy, depending on estate, and should be included. I am not sure about buying locally depending on where you live (should not be a problem in the DC area, though).
Just for the record though, Chenin Blanc might be an interesting alternative. Lots of it around, particularly in South Africa and to a certain extent, the Pacific Northwest of those United States of America.
I thought we outlawed whites in this forum?
White wines are delicious in their own way.
Outlaw whites? Well, such a proscription rubs out a lot of enjoyment - maybe unknown to some. But I am quite happy to stay with red.
I recognize there is a place and purpose for white wines - I tend to stay with reds - however this Friday I will taste all the Chardonays
Alrighty then, I'll order a bottle of the French stuff also.
Good for you Kathleen.
OK, PN it is then. Two bottles - French and North American?
I'll certainly follow, should be interesting. Availablity would be an issue here, a Mercurey would probably be the best I could find here. I'll enjoy reading about what you guys find.
Randy, are you able to try a taste yet?
Mercurey is actually a good buy in dark, fairly dense (but variable quality) Burg. I used to drink a bit of it before all wine prices in the Bourgogne went into the stratospheric heights of wine from further north (Nuits/Beaune). Still, if you are selective, you should be able to find some premier crus - although there are no Grand Cru listed for this part of the Côte Chalonnaise. Le Clos l’Évêque was one I used to be able to buy. M. Juillot was one of the more esteemed producers, although I have not had any serious Mercurey (assuming there really is any) for a few years.
Still, having said that, the slight rusticity of the region appeals to me, and in good vineyards the wine can approach the power of some Pommard in the better years - in my experience, of course... I don't speak for anyone but yours truly.
Good hunting in the bin-ends!
SZ
Coda. Speaking of Mercurey, Randy, it might just be one of the better wines to compare to most OR wines (e.g.) as the prices will be comparable if Premier Cru is purchased. We have not talked about vintages, but perhaps we should stick to one year... say 2015, which is a stellar one for Burgundy. The wines will be good about year 4-5, and there should be a lot to choose from in OR or CA - the main sources of North American wine for most of us. I may use a Drouin 2015 from Dundee Hills as a comparison, but the night is still almost two weeks hence and I for one have a lot to do this coming week (moving cities).
Other regions to consider for the "French stuff" might be: Rully (Côte Chalonnaise) for fruity, pleasant wines to compare with most Oregonian regular fare; or simply regional Beaune, Nuits St.-Georges, Savigny-les-Beaune, Chorey-les-Beaune, Beaune, Cote de Beaune, etc. Forget anything from Macon; you may end up with Gamay in the blend.
I'm not going into any detail because memory is less reliable than some great sources of data on the net, and in any case, the clones used in Oregon and California and elsewhere will affect the ability to compare. That entails research on your part - or not - depending on where you get enjoyment in such matters.
SZ
Silence is golden, but a little BS can be silver. Or platinum. I think I have decided on a Pernand-Vergelesses for the red French stuff (that excellent PN neighbour of Aloxe-Corton). The American stuff will likely source from Oregon, but might - only might, mind - come from BC or Ontario. Supply is always the issue here...
Those were quick decisions.
Sort of like Thatcher Demko, goaltender of the Vancouver Cauncks NHL team: Vancouver 4, St. Louis, 3 (Shootout, 7th round). Great game. He was quick too.
Nope, may be five years Al.
Well, in a few years you will want to buy a few bottles to lay down so they're ready when you are able to enjoy a glass again.
As we get older, perhaps a glass won't make any difference much to most of us in terms of our ultimate destiny. What does your physician say about the effects of a glass or two a day - assuming you are not taking strong medication with side-effects? I know that my physician - like most modern medical professionals - relies on blood assays and statistical distributions to assess my overall health condition. Now I do not recommend - once you have a solid diagnosis - to start ignoring some of your doctor's proscriptions, but I began to ply a somewhat more fatalistic course into the future a few years back. Quality over quantity seems closest to my personal notions of value in daily life, and I suppose my arrogance has something to do with the decision too.
I hasten to add, however, that once a serious problem arises one may be able to do nothing but follow a certain regimen that does not optimize pursuit of your life's most treasured enjoyments (think of the mountain climber who blows out his knees).
Anyway, you seem to be handling fate very well, Randy. Continued best of luck with the treatments and make a full recovery - even unto wine drinking!
Life and death trump want and need. Don't poke the bear. As I said before, I miss the wine but it is still my hobby. I suspect that when and if I get to drink again; I'll probably drink less and upgrade the quality. I'll probably have a long list of wines to try. And yes Al, I'll have some nicely aged wines to try.