Wine of the Week 8/22/11: Pinnacle Ridge Pinot Noir ’07 (PA)
Aug 24
I’ve had some very fine eastern pinot noirs in the last month or so, but none as impressively Burgundian as this. I picked up this bottle nearly 2 years ago while interviewing owner/winemaker Brad Knapp about his operation in the Lehigh Valley near Kutztown. Pinnacle Ridge specializes in chambourcin and is a member of the chambourcin wine trail, but this pinot surpasses anything from the east I’ve had so far. From the great ’07 vintage, the hue is a healthy ruby with no browning. The nose has black cherry, earth/truffle and a hint of clove and cardamom spice. On the palate, firm black cherry fruit is met with vibrant acidity and firm tannins, but lots of classic nuances of truffle and minerality. I’m reminded of the Chambolle-Musigny style; bright fruit with firm acid and some complexity without being too heavy or needing years to come around. This is just hitting stride and should last until 2015 or more if well-cellared.
I didn’t know that Pinot Noir would ripen in the Mid-Atlantic states. What wineries in VA are growing and producing wine from the Pinot Noir grape? Which ones would you recommend? This variety is one of my favorites. By the way – great blog! I’ve added it to my favorites.
Thanks,
Brad
Pinot noir can be successfully grown in Virginia in good sites that are well-managed. Successful producers include Rockbridge, Ox Eye, Ankida Ridge and Gabrielle Rausse. There are also some contract growers. The regions west of the Blue Ridge Mountains are the most promising, due to lower humidity and rainfall, limestone soils and less chance of tropical storms late in the season. Both Ox Eye and Ankida Ridge have their first ’09 vintages on the market and they are impressive in a “Cote de Beaune” style.
Cheers!