Navy Pier was the place to be in Chicago on an April Saturday afternoon for Pinot Days featuring all things Pinot Noir (and Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and some of the best Roses I’ve had..). Owners, winemakers, and representatives from sixty five wineries arrived earlier in the week to share the fruits of their labor at winemaker dinners, “Meet the Winemaker” food and wine pairings at local restaurants, and samplings at wine stores in the area. The culmination was a Grand Tasting for trade and media followed by more swirls and sips for the general public who paid $75 for the opportunity to taste delicious wines many of which aren’t nationally distributed. The high energy in the room paired with beautiful views of Lake Michigan helped make this event a rousing success!
**Ancient Oak Cellars 2009 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – What a terrific “first wine” of the afternoon! Melissa and Ken Moholt-Siebert worked with winemaker Kent Barthman to create a Pinot Noir with floral, red fruit aromas and a lightly oaked taste. From the Russian River Valley, this wine is a keeper at $37.00.
**Friedeman 2011 Dichotomy Pinot Noir – From a single vineyard at a boutique estate, the aromas of red cherries, sweet spice (cloves?), and a bit of toast led to tastes of more spice and cherries with some caramel. Balanced and delicious, this beauty can be enjoyed anytime! Cost is $34.00.
**Goldeneye 2010 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir – Their flagship wine of 100% Pinot Noir exhibits aromas of raspberry jam with tastes of smoke, black pepper, sweet spice, and more red fruits. Its smooooth tannins and a long finish were just what I needed! Cost is $50.00.
**Sojourn 2010 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir – Having visited Sonoma and unable to go to their tasting room (it was closed), I was thrilled to have a taste of this wine at Pinot Days. Balanced and food friendly, the wine consists of a blend of Pinot Noir grapes from eight lots from vineyards in the Sonoma Coast. Aromas of dark cherry with a touch of mushroom led to tastes of more red fruits. Cost is $39.00.
**MacMurray 2010 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – Elegant and balanced with floral, fruity aromas and tastes of raspberries, cherries, and currants with light oak, I thoroughly enjoyed the silky tannins and smooth finish. Take this one home end enjoy (especially if you have three sons if you know what I mean)! Cost is $35.00.
Cheers to another “grape experience”!~ Cindy
**Not only were amazing Pinot Noirs upfront and center on the tasting tables at Pinot Days, I loved some knock your socks off Roses and one unforgettable Chardonnay. I’ll be letting you know about those selections *soon*!
