Always a tough question in the winter. So often I go for those big, clumsy, clunky reds, like chewy Malbecs, Cabernets, Shiraz, and Zins, but there's a time when I just want something balanced and easy to drink while I stir my winter stew. It could be a lovely, juicy Cru Beaujolais from Moulin Au Vent, an elegant Chinon from the Loire Valley, or a perfumey Pinot Noir like the following:
This is a single-vineyard Pinot Noir from highly awarded Dry Creek, Sonoma winemaker Clay Mauritson. When we met last year, I knew he was making my kind of wines. Balanced, soil-driven "terroir" wines, from small batches, each representing a very special place from which they are sourced, and carefully grown under his guidance. Clay practices sustainable farming methods, uses indigenous yeasts, and thinks outside of the box. (Plus he has a cute Yellow Labrador named SoHo)
He told me that this very Russian River Valley Pinot Noir was produced exclusively for none of than famous restauranteur, Charlie Palmer! Hey, If it's good enough for Charlie's restaurants, I think I'll serve it at my Christmas dinner with my duck!IF you can find it, BUY IT!
CHARLIE CLAY RUSSIAN RIVER PINOT NOIR 2007
Elegant red fruits of strawberry refresh the palate with such balance and precision. A wine to drink, and drink, and drink. I don't think I could easily tire of this style, as it is just so easy and delicious. Dangerous!!! Yum
