Answers are passionate and varied depending on who you talk to. And don’t think that it’s based on where you reside geographically. Plenty of folks in California might answer “Oregon, hands down” while folks in Oregon might secretly be pining for Russian River Valley Pinot Noir in California.

Bill Daley from the Chicago Tribune recently put the age old battle to test and asked readers for their opinions and comments. One reader said “I have to say I’m partial to Oregon pinots. And I live in California! Is that sacrilege?” See what other folks had to say here and of course find out who won.

by Deirdre Bourdet

In social psychology class we learn that people tend to like things (and people) that compliment them, because of course everyone thinks they’re great and loves to have that confirmed.  I’ve noticed this principle holds up in the food and wine context, too—wines and flavors that flatter the foods we already like become our new favorites.
Read the rest of this entry »

by Richard Paul Hinkle
(WDC Sensual PN 309)

If you are uncomfortable with sensuality—your own, that of others—you might want to skip forward a page or two.  You see, when Pinot Noir is the subject, sensuality naturally flows to the forefront.  Where the wines of Cabernet Sauvignon (including those from Bordeaux) are flavor-driven wines, those made from Pinot Noir are distinctively texture-driven.  Wines made from the red Burgundian template are clearly, happily wines of suppleness and sulkiness, wines suggestive of silk peignoirs and satin sheets.

Pinot Noir is, in short, liquid sensuality.  It is about wines whose lingering, languid textural attributes are nearly lascivious, even libidinous in nature.  So if you are faint of heart, or easily offended, you might want to flick the page.  Now.

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s officially Spring and at least in California there are flowers in bloom and wonderful sunny weather to match the season. So what could be better than a respite outside either in your backyard or picknicking at the park or winery grounds with a bottle of Pinot – not to heavy and not to light.  Wine Sommelier Courtney Cochran suggests Factories and Smoke Pinot Noir (only $28) that offers “a bit of sweet clove, bright cherry and pomegranate, a kiss of earth and a touch of forest floor along with a smoooooth, soft texture that’s perfect for early spring sipping”

Read more about Courtney’s recommendation here.