1. 2006 Domaine Edmond Cornu Bourgogne Rouge Les Barrigards (Burgundy, France)
The entire crop is hand-harvested. The grapes are completely destemmed. The fermentation occurs in open cuves; the pigeage is done twice daily; the remontage once a day. Fermentation temperatures normally range between 30 and 32 degrees centigrade. The malolactic fermentaion is done in barrel. The wines are aged in small oak barrels between 18 and 20 months before bottling. The wines are not fined nor are they filtered. The Cornu family established itself in the town of Ladoix in 1870 and founded the domaine shortly thereafter in 1875. Edmond Cornu assumed command of the estate in 1956 and in 1959 began to bottle the fruits of his labor. Up to that time all wines made at the estate had been sold to negociants. As the private clientele increased, Cornu also expanded the domaine. With the ascension of his son, Pierre, to full participation in the domaine, this dynamic family has aggressively pursued additional opportunities to acquire prime vineyard sites. madrose.com
2. 2006 Delta Hatter’s Hill Pinot Noir (New Zealand)
“The impressive Hatters Hill 2006 Pinot Noir is more sullen with brambly fruits, almost animally in style, subdued on the entry but gaining in intensity with aeration, developing an almost Northern Rhone-like pepperiness towards the sumptuous finish. This is certainly a name to watch for in the future. For a long time, winemaker/consultant Matt Thomson had been searching for a suitable site in Marlborough to start his joint-venture with David Gleave MW and when he finally discovered a triangular-shaped hill to the west of Blenheim in 2000, the dream turned reality. The regular Pinot Noir comes from the flat section of the vineyard, Hatters Hill from an elevation that rises to 175m.” Rated 91 Wine Advocate
3. 2008 Mark West Pinot Noir (California)
The medium ruby-hued 2008 Pinot Noir (100% Pinot Noir) offers notes of pomegranates, plums, cherries, underbrush, and herbs in a round, tasty, authentic style. Its lightness and softness are endearing, and the price is nearly unbelievable. There are plenty of domestic Pinot Noirs and French red Burgundies priced five to ten times higher that are not as good as this effort from Mark West. It should drink well for 1-2 years. Rated 87 Wine Advocate
4. 2008 A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir (Oregon)
Lively, deftly balanced and refreshing in style, with pretty raspberry and cherry flavors playing against hints of spice and chalk. Finishes with impressive length. Drink now through 2016. Rated 90 Wine Spectator
5. 2008 Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir Reserve (Argentina)
The 2008 Pinot Noir spent 8 months in French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it has an engaging perfume of raspberry, cherry, and cinnamon. Very concentrated with intense sweet fruit, the wine has excellent varietal character, light tannin, and 1-2 years of aging potential. Drink this value-priced Pinot over the next 5-6 years. Rated 90 Wine Advocate
6. 2008 Veramonte Ritual Pinot Noir (Chile)
This is mouthfilling, but stylish and focused, offering lush cherry and raspberry fruit that’s layered with additional spice and sweet tobacco notes. Nicely integrated toast frames the finish. Rated 90 Wine Spectator