Pinot Noir Tasting at Café Maxx

“Always carry a corkscrew and the wine shall provide itself.” ― Basil Bunting

This is part 2 of our continuing studies in Pinot Noir and it is a very similar line-up to our tasting at the Edge Steak and Bar that we sent out yesterday.

It is almost October and you know what fall means- KILLER wine tastings and next week in addition to these two Pinot Noir tastings we have one of the most popular event that we do in the "Once in a Lifetime" events next Friday our California Cult wine Tasting including the ever elusive Screaming Eagle!  Check out calendar of events for a complete listing of the wines we will be serving at this year’s Cali Cult event.

These tastings at Cafe Maxx for $35 are the best value of any event that we do. You get to try 8 different wines at the same time, pre-poured so they have a chance to open up and so you can go back through the line-up to get a second and third look at everything. This is how you learn about wine and with master chef Oliver Saucy sending out a few small courses to accompany the wines, you get a taste of Cafe Maxx and an education in wine all at the same time. A great way to spend happy hour!

Tonight we will feature an array of wines made from one of my favorite red varietals Pinot Noir.  This varietal may be the easiest to pick out in a brown bag tasting because of its light color and low level of tannins but it is also one of the most nuanced and dependent upon its terroir.  Join us as we explore the Pinot Noir varietal from California, New Zealand, Oregon and of course Burgundy.  This is a pre-poured sit down tasting and is limited to 35 tasters, the fee for this tasting is $35 + Gratuity + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463.

Pinot Noir from Around the World at Cafe MaxxWednesday October 2st6:30pm

2009 Maude Pinot Noir Central Otago  Price: $29.00       Sale $25.52          Case $296

(90 Points) Matured in French oak, 30% new, for 12 months, the 2009 Pinot Noir has a pale to medium ruby color and aromas of red cherries, red currants and warm cranberries over Mediterranean herbs, underbrush and moss covered bark. Medium bodied with a good amount of taut fruit, it has a low level of fine tannins, crisp acid and a long earthy finish. Drink it now to 2015+.  eRobertParker.com #197, Oct 2011  

Roblet-Monnot Bourgogne Rouge Vieille Vignes 2010   Price: $32.00       Sale $28.16          Case $327

Pascal Roblet traces his roots in Volnay back four generations. In the late 1990s Pascal took over the family domaine from his father, François. The majority of Domaine Roblet-Monnot’s holdings are in Volnay (6 hectares), but there is a lone parcel in Pommard named, Arvelet. Pascal’s conversion to biodynamic viticulture in 1997 along with his high density planting (12,000 vines per hectare) and very low yields (30-35 hectoliters per hectare) are part of what has transformed his domain into one of the leading sources of wine from these communes.

King Estate Pinot Noir Signature 2011 Price: $26.25       Sale $23.10          Case $268

(89 points) Polished, subtle and juicy, with floral strawberry and guava flavors, lingering gently on the open-textured finish. Drink now through 2015. 24,000 cases made. “HS Issue: Feb 28, 2013 wine spectator

Bernard Moreau Chassagne Montrachet Vieille Vignes 2010 Price: $45.00       Sale $39.60          Case $459

The winery’s roots go back to 1809 when Auguste Moreau built a cellar across from the Champs Gain vineyard and farmed his few hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot along the golden slope. The 1930s saw an expansion of the family’s vineyards under the guidance of Marcel Moreau. Roughly 80% of the domaine’s current vineyard holdings were acquired by Marcel. At age 14, Bernard Moreau took over the vineyards and cellar in the early 1960’s. In 1977 the reputation of this great estate was fully established under the leadership of Bernard and Françoise Moreau and the winery was named Domaine Bernard Moreau.

Roblet-Monnot Volnay St. Francois 2009 Price: $69.50       Sale $61.16          Case $709

Volnay is a commune in which there are over 213.3 hectares or 527 acres of vineyard. 284 acres of this land is Premier Cru.

2011 Hahn Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands       Price: $21.50       Sale $18.92          Case $220

They make 7 different Pinot Noirs with different appellations, Cycles Gladiator is the entry level and then you have this wine is the third in the line-up the Lucienne Lone Oak being the top wine.  Pretty black raspberry fruit with notes of exotic floral and spice notes to the nose.  Juicy black raspberry fruit on the nose with pretty floral highlights and a zesty finish very nice balance and a spiced finish.  Finish 40+  Smith Doctors and Lone Oak , SLH Estate a blend of four vineyards, Hahn Winery , Cycles Gladiator, Bin 36, Pinot Noir is the focus of the winery they have more acreage dedicated to this varietal than any other.                 Excellent             

2011 Migration Russian River Pinot Noir  Price: $33.00       Sale $29.04          Case $337

Neil Bernardi is the winemaker they source from 10 different vineyard sites, assistant winemaker at Littorai they have migrated completely from Anderson Valley so this is now a Russian River brand with its own production facility to make this wine along with the Decoy label, bought ridgeline 209 acres that is all Bordeaux varietals also another Alexander Valley parcel to grant them more control over the quality of these labels, everything is Sonoma but the blend which will be Sonoma by 2012.  Has a good amount of cherry pie fruit with that classic brown spice cola and pretty floral notes, very complex bouquet of aromas.  Zesty red berry fruit raspberry and wild strawberry fruit with silky smooth velvety texture with pretty floral highlights and a refreshing finish with a nice amount of spice and very well balanced.  Finish 40+                Excellent             

2010 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Price: $46.50       Sale $40.92          Case $475

The 2010 vintage of our flagship wine begins with inviting aromas of raspberry puree and fresh oatmeal cookies. The entry offers an intriguing hint of smoke and peppercorns that carry though to a mid-palate filled with silky tannins and cherry and raspberry flavors. On the finish, oak-inspired overtones of coffee and baking spice mingle with leather and fruit bringing this wine to a long, satisfying conclusion.

This is a pre-poured sit down tasting and is limited to 35 tasters, the fee for this tasting is $35 + Gratuity + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463.