Pinot Noir Comparative Tasting, Scottsdale—5:00 to 5:45 PM

About Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a delicate, ethereal, thin-skinned grape that expresses its region of origin so transparently. This finicky, early-budding grape prefers moderate to cool climates with long springs and summers. If Pinot Noir is grown in a climate that is too warm, the resulting wine becomes overly jammy with acidity that falls flat.

However, when it is grown in “Goldilocks” areas such as Burgundy, Willamette Valley, and Santa Barbara, Pinot Noir is able to not only thrive in the vineyard, but the final wine reveals a complexity of fruit characteristics, acidity, and balanced tannin structure that culminate in a symphony of perfection so many wine lovers seek.

Notable Pinot Noir Growing Regions

A sense of place, or terroir, is especially expressive with Pinot Noir. Here is what you can expect from Pinot Noir from a few different growing regions:

Burgundy

Burgundy is known as the home of Pinot Noir, and generally speaking as one of the most sought-after wine regions. Entry-level Bourgogne wines are often light with marked acidity and a hint of oak to provide structure. More complex vineyard-specific examples have more intensity and complexity with tart cherry and earthy flavors (such as mushrooms and forest floor) with a hint of phenolic green stems. They range from delicate and almost floral, to more tannic and spicy. Pinot Noir from Burgundy is undeniably inimitable and complex.

California

Pinot Noir from California tends to be rich, fruity, and lush in style. You can expect fruit characteristics of black cherry, wild strawberries, and raspberries with higher tannin structure as well with hints of warm spice. There are warm areas in California that produce fuller-bodied styles of Pinot Noir, but there are also cool regions that produce lighter styles with bright acidity and delicate fruit characteristics with gentle floral notes.

Oregon

Oregon Pinot Noir is known for its high-toned red fruit flavors and bright acidity. The fruit characteristics vary along a spectrum from cranberry and pomegranate to dark cherry (sometimes with flavors of cherry candy or cherry cola). Wines from Oregon range in intensity and complexity, and they are often very fruit-forward, crisp, with supple tannins.

“It’s a hard grape to grow, as you know. It’s thin-skinned, temperamental. It’s not a survivor like Cabernet that can grow anywhere and thrive even when neglected. Pinot needs constant care and attention, you know? And in fact it can only grow in these really specific, little, tucked away corners of the world. And, and only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time… to understand Pinot’s potential… can then coax it into its fullest expression.” —Miles Raymond, from the movie Sideways

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Please join us at this exciting tasting where we will compare Pinot Noir wines from 3 different regions. We will be guided through these carefully-selected wines by Sam Perez of RNDC

The Lineup:

Burgundy

Oregon

Sonoma

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We are excited to see you! 

Tuesday, May 24th

5:00—5:45 PM 

– Scottsdale –

The Fine Print:

– We will continue limiting the number of members at each event and offering multiple time slots, in order to continue delivering the best experience possible. With smaller & more focused groups, our clients are able to gain a deeper understanding of the wines and featured wineries.

– IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND, please call or email us ASAP so that we may offer your space to those awaiting a reservation. Due to an increase in no-shows and last-minute cancellations, we will be implementing a $25/person fee for cancellations under 24 hours. We understand that things come up, we just want to have the opportunity and time to offer the spot to someone else!