I have sat on this one for a while, letting the Burgundian volatility settle and hopefully get some tertiary flavors, a little funk all the while maintaining fruit composition and freshness.
In the glass it is somewhat darker than expected for a Pinot Noir. On the nose- cherry, funky forest floor, mushrooms and game. The palate is definitely on track- Garrigue, cherry, balsamic reduction and rooibos tea all come to mind. The mid palate has an unripe cherry note, or is it sour pomegranate? And dare I say- cork taste (as in chewing on the edge of a dry crumbly cork). Very peculiar but interesting nonetheless. The tannins are hitting my lower gums at this point, with a hint of acidity. The finish is full on cherry, with a pucker from some tea as the tannins are astringent, but nice. This wine is young. It will evolve further and the tannins will meld better. I see some more development with the secondary flavors but hope the unripe cherry component doesn’t remain. Overall a tasty wine that will do well with the charcoal grilled Strips and mashed potatoes I’m pairing it with. 91 points and 4 stars for this $50 effort. Drink till 2027. Salut….