Review(s)
- 92 Points: Wine Enthusiast (November 2024 issue)
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
A four barrel selection (75% Swan Clone & 25% Calera Clone) of Pinot Noir rose to the top of our favorite barrels in terms of purity, weight and elegance.
Low yields, small berries, red fruit and velvety texture are the highlights of the Swan Clone while the Calera Clone is known for its age worthy tannins and dark fruit profile.
Our 2022 Best Barrels Pinot Noir has wonderful floral notes of violet and hibiscus as well as perfumed raspberry and cherry. The Palate is expansive with entry flavors of black cherry, plum and pomegranate. Elements of earth and oak sweetness envelope the lengthy, focused finish. Mineral, gravel, balsam, graham and dark chocolate balance the juicy red and black fruit core. A supple, yet tightly wound Pinot Noir that will mature with grace for a decade. Two medium toasted Gathier Freres barrels provide the new French oak which perfectly complements our Pinot Noir. Located in nearly the exact "Centre" of France, in the small village of Menetou-Salon, Tonnellerie Gauthier Freres has been hand splitting oak for barrel staves for several generations and crafting their own wine barrels since 2001.
Our preferred pairings would include seared salmon, roasted guineafowl, hoisin crispy duck, grilled lamb with herbs and fennel, anything with wild mushrooms, plus dishes accented with cherrires, figs or dried cranberries. Coq au vin made with Pinot Noir would also be a fantastic comb.
2022 is an inviting vintage right out of the gate. If you are in a hurry, be sure to give it a couple weeks after it arrives at your door, then enjoy any time you like! Prime drinking should be from now through 2028.
100% Pinot Noir (75% Swan Clone & 25% Calera Clone)
13.7% Alc.
10 months in French oak, 50% new oak
Cases Produced: 88
Bottled: January 2024
Released: May 2024
Blue Rock Best Barrels from Kenneth Kahn on Vimeo.
