{"title":"July 30: Top Pinot Noirs of the World","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"bodega-chacra-sin-azufre-pinot-noir-patagonia-argentina-2022","title":"Bodega Chacra, 'Sin Azufre' Pinot Noir, Patagonia, Argentina, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZCPkOeZclzQ?si=tpecuGkTYrJkvc89\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBodega Chacra is located in the Rio Negro Valley of northern Patagonia. The property’s location in the arid central Argentine desert is tempered by the confluence of the Neuquen and Limay Rivers, both of which flow from the Andes and converge in the Rio Negro, which in turn flows into the Atlantic. The climate is dry, with a maximum humidity of thirty percent and an average of seven inches of rainfall annually. This aridity, coupled with the natural barrier of the surrounding desert, results in a complete absence of phylloxera and vine diseases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dblColumnContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"dblColumn dblColumn-1 text-6\"\u003eChacra was created in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, whose grandfather started the legendary Sassicaia Winery in Tuscany. Pieros’ intention was to find the most unobstructed expression of the climate, micro-climate, and terroir of Mainqué in the Río Negro region of Patagonia. Respecting the environment by following biodynamic and organic principles, Piero strives to make wines that are transparent, pure, delicate, and floral with a strong minerality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Patagonia, a “chacra” is a special piece of land separated by canals that bring snowmelt from the Andes and make the Patagonian desert fertile. At the same time, chacras are vital energy centers that provide us with the ability to connect with the whole universe, with everything living and vibrating. In its nourishment, in the marriage with every meal, wine is the companion of pleasure and sensitivity. Wine is intimate and touches all our senses. Chacra aims to enhance that connection. Respecting and enhancing the community of Chacra is of the utmost importance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCertified Organic and Biodynamic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePiero Incisa della Rocchetta\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"vs2-productDetail-attributes\" data-bind=\"foreach: AttributeList \u0026amp;\u0026amp; AttributeList.split('\\n')\"\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePinot Noir\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePatagonia, Argentina\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSin Azufre is a handcrafted personal project by Piero himself. It is an experiment of making wine without science, using only the eyes, nose, palette, and reasoning as tools. These organic and biodynamic grapes are harvested from a special section of the Cincuenta y Cinco vineyard. In 600L barrels, the fermentation begins spontaneously on day 3 to 5 of maceration. At the end of the fermentation cycle (usually 15 to 21 days), the must is placed in used barriques for 11 months, without the inclusion of pressed wine. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSin Azufre characteristics are soft, balanced, lively, transparent, and extremely energetic with pronounced minerality and well integrated soft tannins. Pairs universally. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFloral and buoyant nose with fresh red berries, roses and mineral. Really bright and energetic on the palate with beautiful tension and juiciness. Subtle, sappy and layered. The mineral spike extends to a simply delicious finish. Drink now.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grand Cru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45587862716721,"sku":"","price":47.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Bodega-Chacra-sin-Azufre-pinot-Noir-Patagonia-Argentina-2022.jpg?v=1688431876"},{"product_id":"domaine-pierre-guillemot-cote-dor-bourgogne-rouge-burgundy-france-2022","title":"Domaine Pierre Guillemot, Côte D'Or Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy, France, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Guillemot family has worked Savigny-lès-Beaune vines for eight generations (!) and produces wines with classic Burgundian finesse and balance, all while leaving us a reminder of Savigny’s rustic character. But do not be fooled into thinking that this means they lack aging potential; the Guillemots are very proud of their old wines and thankfully have the foresight to set aside a good supply and follow their wines’ development over the years. A recent tasting at the domaine included a 1989 and 1975 Savigny Blanc, as well as the ‘90, ‘88, ‘85, ‘82, ‘76, ’72, and ‘64 Rouge. There was not a single tired bottle in the bunch. We challenge anyone to find a better deal on Burgundies that are built to last like these!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVincent and Philippe Guillemot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Pinot Noir\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBurgundy, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eFrom vineyards in the Savigny-lès-Beaune \u0026amp; Chorey-lès-Beaune, this bold Pinot Noir is made even silkier after 18 months resting in barrel. \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe Bourgogne Cote d’Or is a fine introduction to the house style and a tremendous wine for this level. It has inviting generosity, but at the moment is slightly closed behind some rather dominant cherry notes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kermit Lynch","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49032649244977,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/DomainePierreGuillemot_CoteD_OrBourgogneRouge_Burgundy_France_2022.jpg?v=1714423452"},{"product_id":"bouchard-pere-fils-beaune-du-chateau-rouge-premier-cru-burgundy-france-2020","title":"Bouchard Père \u0026 Fils, Beaune du Château, Premier Cru Rouge, Burgundy, France, 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eA blend of Premier Crus - Drinks like its $100 plus!!! - Ian Blackburn\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003eHighly recommended!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFounded in 1731 in Beaune by Michel Bouchard, Bouchard Père \u0026amp; Fils, is one of the oldest wine estates in Burgundy, perpetuating tradition for nearly 3 centuries and 9 generations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 1775, Joseph Bouchard acquired his first vineyards in Volnay in the famous “Les Caillerets” climat and started to develop the family’s vineyard holdings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring the French Revolution, property belonging to the clergy and nobility was confiscated and put up for sale. Joseph’s son, Antoine Philibert Joseph Bouchard, seized the opportunity to extend the family’s vineyard holdings in Beaune including the famous “Beaune Grèves Vigne de l’Enfant Jesus.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis desire to build up an exceptional estate in Côte d’Or endured through the generations and acquisitions in the best Villages were added throughout the 19th century and again in the early 20th century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBouchard Père et Fils has been owned by the Maison de Champagne Henriot since 1995, and is currently headed by Christophe Bouchard, who has, in a few years, given a new lease of life to the expression of the estate's vineyards, and a coherence without false note to the trading activity that complements.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eChristophe Bouchard\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBeaune, Cote de Beaune, Cote d'Or, Burgundy, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNice dark garnet color with brown to mauve shades. Complex bouquet associating perfumes of jammy red fruit, fig, peony with a hint of chocolate. Harmonious and deep palate, with a beautiful maturity and dense but fine tannins. An attractive wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Decanter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis admirable premier cru red is a blend of all of the domaine parcels in Beaune premier cru - a whopping 17 different terroirs covering 26ha, each vinified separately, with an average 20% whole-cluster and ageing in 20% new casks. There is a lovely, dark, plummy fruit on the nose with a bit of spice and smoke. The texture is silky and supple, with decent acidity, even if it lacks a bit of density on the mid-palate. A well-balanced, classical example of Beaune premier cru.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYields of merely 20 hectoliters per hectare have delivered a 2020 Beaune 1er Cru du Château of unusual presence and concentration, wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, sweet berries, rose petals and spices. Medium to full-bodied, ample and velvety, it's deep and layered, with lively acids and powdery tannins. Readers who have walked Beaune's hillsides and know the extent of Bouchard's holdings will realize how much prime terroir goes into this remarkably accessible bottling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerous aromas of fully ripe blackberries and black cherries with a pronounced licorice note. Impressive concentration for such a large-production wine, the well-judged tannins giving this weight and warmth. Keeps pumping out the fruit and spice at the rich finish, but it’s a bit simple there. A cuvee of wines from 17 plots and a total of 26 hectares of vineyards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merchant of Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49897492185393,"sku":null,"price":74.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/BouchardPere_Fils_BeauneduChateauRouge_PremierCru_Burgundy_France_2020.jpg?v=1725555803"},{"product_id":"argot-pinot-noir-sonoma-mountain-california-2021","title":"Argot, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Mountain, California, 2021","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e Overview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e'Argot' refers to a shared language, borne from, and reinforcing the intimacy associated with tight-knit groups, whom are brought together by their common interests and shared histories:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Each significant relationship in life gives rise to an 'argot' among the members who define it. The deeper the bond, and longer its history, this argot’s vocabulary becomes more personal, allowing it to strengthen and enhance the dynamic. When opening a bottle of wine, so too is opened the flow of conversation and ability to connect. Throughout human history wine has been used for worship, celebration, mourning and, more simply, sharing life. The wine brand Argot honors the beautiful symmetry and complementary nature that wine and communication hold. Round up a friend, pull a cork, splash a glass, and enjoy.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArgot was created by winemaker Justin Harmon in 2007. Justin fell in love with wine as a consumer, and his education in chemical engineering drew him into the winemaking process. He began experimenting in his parent's Chicago basement, using a kit and then flash-frozen grapes brought in by rail car from Napa, then moved to California for his first harvest work in 2005. After harvest internships in 2006 \u0026amp; 2007, Justin bought his first ton of grapes \u0026amp; began the Argot project.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArgot is dedicated to crafting small lots from Sonoma County at the highest quality level. Annual production is small at 2,500 9-liter cases.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSustainably farmed. Sourced from both high-elevation and valley floor vineyards, located in the cool climate AVAs of Sonoma Mountain, Bennett Valley and Petaluma Gap.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJustin Harmon\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Pinot Noir\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSonoma County, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePinot Noir grapes thrive in Sonoma Mountain’s hillside vineyards, producing a wine with sweet, enveloping tannins; plush and rich red and black fruits; complemented by savory complexities that unspool deep through an extended finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - The Wine Independent\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMedium ruby-purple in color, the 2021 Pinot Noir strolls confidently out of the glass with up-front notes of black cherry compote, wild blueberries, and underbrush, plus wafts of violets, graphite, and Sichuan pepper. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam packed with juicy red and black fruits, supported by a lively backbone and plush tannins, finishing with a real skip in its step.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e92 Points - Wine Advocate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Mountain, matured for 15 months in 15% new oak, has layered scents of cranberry, pomegranate, charcuterie, mushroom, allspice and vanilla. The medium-bodied palate offers concentrated, crunchy fruit, a lightly chalky texture, mouthwatering acidity and a long, nuanced finish. 175 cases were made.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49915221016881,"sku":null,"price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Argot_PinotNoir_SonomaMountain_California_2021.jpg?v=1725833941"}],"url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/collections\/july-30-top-pinot-noirs-of-the-world.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}