PINOT BOWL I

The big game just finished, but another monumental competition crowned its champion last night.  Pinot Bowl I pitted five titans of American Pinot Noir against each other in an impromptu battle to the death (meaning we drained the bottles). 

The battlefield:  French Market Bistro in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Its classic bistro setting and Pinot-friendly menu – plus inexpensive and accommodating corkage policy – made it an ideal setting for PB1’s maiden voyage. 

The ground rules:  each couple was responsible for bringing a bottle of Pinot (no price, vintage, origin, or style requirements).  Each bottle was bagged and numbered to be tasted blindly by our panel of enthusiasts – the only way to crown a true Pinot champion.  Each couple was provided a score sheet with which to rate each wine according to appearance, aroma, body, taste and finish.  The wine with the highest cumulative score wins.  Its owner receives a golden chalice and fatted calf.

The lineup: 

2008 Etude Pinot Noir Carneros

2009 MacPhail Vagon Rouge

2009 Goyette Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2009 Williams Selyem  Central Coast Pinot Noir

2008 Stoller SV Pinot Noir

 Pinot Bowl I:  The Contestants

Each of the wines was delicious enough to merit its own meal.  The Etude displayed the classic Carneros loamy earth and mineral characteristics.  The MacPhail was wound tighter than a two dollar watch, but slowly opened up to cherry and spice notes.  The Goyette was a cherry-vanilla treat with just the right amount of acidity to keep the fruit in check.  Williams Selyem is always delicious and expressive of place, and the savory Central Coast was right on point.

The Champion, Stoller SV, was perfectly balanced with earth, berries and spice.   A pleasure to sip.

Alas, my wine (MacPhail) was not the winner, but it felt a lot like 4-year-old soccer:  we all won.  It was a great experience and a fun way to learn the nuances of, in this case, American Pinots.  Take that Giants fans.

Oh, and in case anyone was actually wondering if I drank Bogle during the game, see below.  The Petite Sirah was very good, and a nice accompaniment to turkey cutlets on the grill.  Have a great week and don’t forget to find some time to drink some wine.  Cheers…