Pinot Noir for the Season
Vino Gross Hišno Vino [Vol. III] – NV $23.99
Michael Gross is my kind of winemaker. He’ll never follow strict procedures to make his wines. He’ll improvise according to the conditions of each vintage. Hisno Vino (translated as “House Wine”) is his experimental series. Rather than noting the vintage, he notes the “volume” (#3 in this case). The current edition contains 10% of white Furmint to the red blend which gives the wine easy soft edges. The wine leans towards savory with dried herbs, smoke, and salt. Subdued fruit flavors of black cherries and plums appear as well. A tickle of residual gas adds to its freshness and liveliness. Like all my favorite vignerons, Gross farms organically and is non interventionist in the cellar. Michael is the 5th generation of his Austrian family to produce wine. About 10 years ago, he built Vinos Gross, on the Slovenian side of the border. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Bodega Chacra “Barda” Pinot Noir – 2024 $29.99
After a NYC wine tasting, Piero Incisa della Rocchetta’s quest for finding the most unique and unobstructed terroir was over. The wine that changed everything for him was a Pinot Noir from the Río Negro region of Patagonia. Once he visited, he knew it was destiny. On the foothills of the Andes, there are pristine conditions for grape growing. Hot days, cold nights, high winds, ample sunshine, and little rainfall all combine to create a deep and personal connection to the land. Through the Pinot Noir grape, we are literally tasting Patagonia. This bottling, which comes from the youngest fruit of the estate, is an unbelievable value considering the flavors presented to us. Chewy red fruits mingle with the forest floor creating a concentrated yet elegant wine. A must try! – Alex Malecki
Sancerre Rouge “Croix du Roy”, Lucien Crochet – 2020 $34.96
Sancerre has become synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, but the region’s Pinot Noir should not be overlooked. Dom. Lucien Crochet is a favorite for Sauvignon Blanc, and this Pinot shows equal verve. Gilles Crochet, Lucien’s son who is now at the helm, trained at Domaine Dujac in Morey-Saint-Denis and brings a Burgundian sensibility to his winemaking. His Pinot is grown organically on south and east facing slopes to capture every bit of sunshine.The grapes are hand-harvested and vinified with native yeasts, then spend 22 months in a combination of barrel and stainless steel. This shows bright, fresh red fruit, cherry, cranberry, and a bit of earthiness. It falls somewhere between light and medium body.This is a great food wine that would pair nicely with salmon or pork. – Amy Miller, Sales Manager
Bourgogne Passetoutgrains, Hudelot-Baillet – 2023 $34.99
This Passetoutgrain is two-thirds Gamay and one-third Pinot Noir, yet one hundred percent delightful. If you want a wine that is refreshing, delicious, and much more interesting than your run-of-the-mill glou glou that passes for wine these days, then look no further. Passetoutgrain is a malleable style that originally consisted of field blends containing Gamay and Pinot Noir, but traditionally could include some of the white grapes of Burgundy. This one is all red, and all of the fruit is sourced from Hudelot-Baillet’s vineyards in Chambolle-Musigny. Enjoy these wines now as Passetoutgrains are headed towards extinction. Planting exclusively Pinot Noir can fetch much higher prices in the market.- Vince Grace, Assistant Buyer
Kelley Fox “Mirabai” Pinot Noir – 2023 $42.99
Kelley Fox‘s Mirabai Pinot is an immensely graceful wine. It perfumes the glass with violet flowers and ripe strawberries and blueberries. The palate feels lush and silky, brightened with minerals and acidity. Touches of citrus fruit and nutmeg also appear. The finish is long and rewarding. Kelley has worked the Dundee Hills region since 2000 and has made relationships with the most prominent organic growers. Her mentor was Willamette’s pioneer, David Lett. Fruit is sourced from 35-50 year vines and grown on volcanic soils. Astounding with a hunk of cave aged Gruyere. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant