The Beverage Dynamics/Cheers national Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality/value pinot noirs - Wine Selection

Cheers, Jan-Feb, 2003

This month, we inaugurate the joint Beverage Dynamics/Cheers Wine Panel, a distinguished group of retailers and restaurant beverage professionals who six times a year will be sharing with us the wines they deem of top quality, and why. Grouped each month by varietal, these selections include brief tasting notes compiled from our panel, a star and numerical rating and the wine's suggested retail price (which varies from market to market.) (A list of those participating can be found at the end of the seection listing.)

We start out the year with the best international pinot noir wines, as picked by our panelists. If you're a beverage professional who would like to learn more about participating in our panel, call Jack Robertiello at 718-857-3660, or email him at jrobertiello@aip.com.

PINOT NOIR

FIVE STARS

***** (96) Rochioli Russian River 2000 Pinot Noir (California). An attractive berry ripeness with finesse and elegance, layered harmoniously with sweet red fruits and a supportive body. $45

***** (96) Panther Creek 2000 Winemaker's Cuvee Pinot Noir (Oregon). A delicious blend that uses fruit from the Willamette Valley (for structured richness and complexity) and the Umpqua Valley (for bright, ripe fruit); unfiltered for depth and intense black plum flavors. $35

***** (95) Saintsbury 1999 Brown Ranch Pinot Noir (California). Rich cherry and plum and soft oak flavors on the front; earthy with a long, balanced finish; great balance and lively acidity. $65

***** (94) Edmeades 1999 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir (California.) From a great growing region for pinot noir, this wine is 15% alcohol yet is smoothly balanced and harmonious with ripe berry fruits and toasty spice flavors. $20

***** (94) Domaine Drouhin 2000 Laurene Pinot Noir (Oregon). Well-structured, this pinot shows concentrated black cherry and plum fruit with lightly toasted oak and spice characters. $45

***** (94) Patz & Hall Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir (California). A regal wine; deep crimson color; rich nose of blackberry and anise; luscious taste of ripe plum, blackberry, anise and earth; a long finish to a big, lush pinot that's wonderful from beginning to end. $45

***** (93) Domaine Serene 1999 Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir (Oregon). Rich and full with wonderful structure; of red berries and dark softly fill the mouth. $50

***** (93) Ken Wright Cellars 2000 Willamette Valley, Canary Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir (Oregon). Possesses a beautiful garnet color and a dark, earthy bouquet that shows a touch of olive to the baked cherry aromas; soft and succulent on the palate, it displays ripe dark berry and cherry flavors with a nice touch of oak; quite expansive across the palate, with a good finish and deliciously rich aftertaste. $39

***** (93) WillaKenzie Estate 1999 Willamette Valley Pierre Leon Pinot Noir (Oregon). Dark purple in color, with an effusive bouquet of cherry jam and earth that shows a touch of chalkiness; the palate entry is soft, but firm acidity soon arrives, enlivening rich dark berry and dried cherry flavors; it brightens up toward the finish, which is long and lingering. $35

***** (92) Crossings 2001 Marlborough Pinot Noir (New Zealand). An intriguing bouquet that will make you want to just keep taking in those delicious aromas of baked cherries tea and dark chocolate; this medium-bodied effort is lively with good acidity and a vibrancy not often found outside of the more expensive parts of Burgundy; delicious from start to finish and perfect with tea-smoked duck breast, $24

***** (92) King Estate 1999 Willamette Valley Reserve Pinot Noir (Oregon). This large property excels with this deep wine, full of gamy, smoky, lush dark fruits, soft tannins, gutsy and peppery with layers of fruit. $36

***** (92) Chelaham 2000 Stoller Vineyards Pinot Noir (Oregon). Deep ruby color showing great depth of fruit; rich flavor of black berries and black cherries combine with spice and currants; very complex wine with a beautiful finish. $39

***** (92) Erath Vineyards 2000 Pinot Noir (Oregon). Bursting with berry flavors, this wine delivers a wonderful value. $16

***** (92) Foley Estate 2000 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir (California). Majestic, with raspberry, anise, violets, hints of vanilla, an incredible texture; a firm middle; lively red berries in a finish that stays with you long after you've swallowed; gives burgundies costing twice the price a run for their money. $30

***** (92) Hanzell 1998 Sonoma Pinot Noir (California). Chocolate and black fruit with hints of black cherry; earth and fruit with a velvety smooth texture all in synergy; what California pinot noir should aspire to. $50

***** (92) Santenay Gravieres 1999 Vincent Girardin (France). A great pinot nose followed by lush pinot fruit flavors; a silky finish. $24

***** (92) Barnett Vineyards 2000 Santa Lucia Vineyards Pinot Noir (California). This pinor is lush and fun of life, with an unmistakable classy feeling; it drinks now, and will drink distinctly better in two to three years. $30

***** (92) Edna Valley 2000 Paragon Pinot Noir (California). Deep color with an intense nose; rich flavors and texture on the palate; a long, satisfying finish. $20