New World Pinot Noir

I do love my big Pinot Noirs. Some would say they are Pinots masquerading as something else. No matter, because I love them! Please join me at Nice Matin for a night of New World Pinot Noirs. This will be an 8-person dinner featuring 4 different Pinot Noirs from both California and Oregon. Granted the Oregon Pinots are more elegant, but they dp have some muscle. Plus the obligatory white wine starter..

Here is a link to their menu:
Nice Matin Dinner Menu

Nice Matin is located at 201 W. 79th Street, the corner of Amsterdam Ave.

** The cost of this event is $43 and is for the cost of the wines.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. MEETUP+ members are exempt from this charge.

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). You will be expected to order at least 2 dishes (an appetizer and a main, or main and dessert) to help support the restaurant.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $6 service fee.

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):
2024 Evening Land Vineyards Clair de Lune Seven Springs Vineyard ($45) - This is a new white from Evening Land Vineyards from Willamette Valley, Oregon. It is 13.1% Alcohol, and EL says, "This brand-new cuvée, a mouthwatering blend of 50% Chenin Blanc and 50% Chardonnay, announces itself with a gentle spritz in the glass and impeccable freshness on the nose and palate. Juicy Gala apple, bergamot, beeswax and ginger unfurl a carpet of vibrant texture and mineral tang which continues for some time, picking up florals along the way. Clair de Lune is a white wine fit to enjoy equally under the moonlight or in the sun."

2021 Argyle Pinot Noir Artisan Series Dundee Hills ($60) - From Oregon's Willamette Valley, CT 91, WS 92 points, "Handsomely structured and generous, with refined raspberry, orange peel and dusky spice flavors that build tension and richness toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031."

2021 Anthill Farms Pinot Noir Campbell Ranch Vineyard ($55) - From CA's Sonoma Coast. CT 91.3 WA 95 points, "The 2021 Pinot Noir Campbell Ranch opens with deep tones of pomegranate and rhubarb before releasing notes of fir leaves, garrigue and earth. The light-bodied palate is velvety and seamlessly fresh, with a weightless yet powerfully perfumed core of fruit and a long, floral finish. It really opens up with time in the glass, so give it 2 to 3+ years in bottle or a couple hours in the decanter. (drink 2025-2035)"

2022 Tongue Dancer Pinot Noir Foxtrot ($52) -From CA's Russian River Valley. International Wine Report 94 pts. ~ "A screaming value of the 2022 Pinot Noir lineup ... a classy expression of this varietal from the Russian River Valley ... carrying a nose of slight pinecone, the entry is super settled, and shows off a fine and settled tannic structure. Bing cherry, red raspberry, cola, licorice and nutmeg are all present early in the game. It never loses it vitality with time in the glass and keeps its balance through the finish. This is a wonderfully interwoven wine that should have at least 12 good years ahead of it." The Drunken Cyclist, 93 points ". This wine? Whoa. Yeah, the fruit is not hiding, is not shy, and certainly not an afterthought; it is upfront and in your face with not a single apology to be found. Dark in color with plenty of forrest floor, blackberry, and pepper to keep the brooding aesthetics company. The palate is a fruity delight with tons of blackberry, touches of vanilla and wood, a zingy tartness that maintains its dominance throughout, and a subtle spice that makes you want to think this is a Syrah (but you know darned well it isn't). Yeah. And Whoa. This is much more your drunk cousin than it is your demure aunt, but that is OK, every wedding needs someone to be the first on the dance floor! Outstanding."

2021 Martinelli Pinot Noir Skyridge Ranch ($85) - From CA's Russian River Valley. WA 94 points, "The 2021 Pinot Noir Sky Ridge Vineyard is new in the Martinelli portfolio and comes from Swan and Calera vines planted in 2016. It has layered scents of red cherries, cranberries, Earl Grey tea, mushroom and tobacco. The medium-bodied palate is supple and energetic with surprisingly concentrated, earth-laced fruit, and it has a very long, spicy finish. Just 99 cases were made. (drink 2025-2035)"