Wine Wednesday: Mystery Pinot

 

Generally, when I go out to eat, I read the wine menu first (or the beer menu, if it's that kind of place) and then choose my meal to pair with whatever wine I want to try. Yes, really. I'm just that crazy. 

This usually works out well, but sometimes there are hiccups. Last week was an example of that. I tried to order three different wines, only to find that the restaurant was out of all of them. They're undergoing rather extensive reconstruction/remodeling, atm. They didn't have the dessert we requested, either. 

Eventually, the manager sent a sample of a Pinot Noir that was available, and I gave up and said, fine. I guess I'm drinking Pinot today. 

Unfortunately, I didn't get the name, but I think it's probably Elouan out of Willamette Valley, Oregon. But I'm not really sure and I have no idea about the vintage. It was not a bad choice. It went okay with my meal--steak, salad, loaded baked potato, but probably not what I would have ordered to go with that meal. At least not if there had been any Cabernets available.

I think we've discussed my prejudice against Pinot Noirs. It's unfair, and I can't honestly say I dislike them, I just tend not to order them on principle. So, it was probably good that I was more or less forced into trying this wine. 

This is a soft, light-bodied wine. The color is dark, inky black-red. Medium legs. I thought the nose was very interesting. There were notes of juniper, strawberry jam and dark fruit...boysenberry or black current. There was also an intriguing smokiness--both to the nose and the taste. The tannins were soft, which I think is typical of a Pinot Noir, and this was particularly noticeable on the finish which was very, very soft. The taste kind of faded out--not in an unpleasant way, necessarily. But definitely noticeable to someone who tends to drink more robust Cabs and Zins.

The taste was ripe fruit--maybe plum? Along with a little minerality, and a hint of cocoa. 

I might try Elouan on purpose next time I see it, just to compare. But preferably when I'm eating something else. Like I said, it didn't go badly with the meal I had, but it didn't do it any favors, either.