2006 Pinot Noir, Nantua Vineyard, Giaconda

Summer 2006 was mercifully cool, enabling Rick's Nantua vineyard to produce fruit which displays, once vinified, both red and black berry charm, in a way which wouldn't look out of place amongst the best of Central Otago. Planted in 1982, vinified in open top oak fermenters, along with 10% stalks, this was basket-pressed into 40% new French oak barrels for 15 months. Yes there's a whiff of menthol but also plenty of delicate savoury notes; indeed not a million miles away from the Nuits St.Georges he visits once a year. Sealed with a screwcap, it's delicious now till 2012 at least; along with seared tuna and soy sauce.
(David Berry Green, BBR Buyer)