Amazing California Pinot Noir: EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley

Sunday, March 3, 2019


I first tasted EnRoute Pinot Noir at a tasting that was aimed at shining a spotlight on various single vineyard Napa Cabs from Nickel & Nickel.

While trying to dissect the subtle differences between the Nickel & Nickel Cabs I came across this luscious Pinot Noir that my palate very much preferred. The experience reflects my personal preference in wine over the years:
  1. Outstanding California Pinot Noir has a depth of flavor that Napa Cab does while being lighter in body
  2. Outstanding California Pinot Noir has a flavor profile I prefer, overall, over any other category
  3. On average, I prefer California Pinot Noir over Oregon Pinot Noir

After that tasting, I sought out EnRoute Pinot Noir and discovered something interesting. Although it carries a release price of $60/btl it can be had for much lesss on the east coast.

Two examples:

As of this writing, Total Wine has it for $39.97 and Wine.com has it for $44.99. Keep in mind, no tax on wine in Massachusetts. And there are regularly ways to buy from Wine.com at deep discount through Amex Offers, discounted gift cards, and by shopping through a portal.

The net of it is you can buy this wine for less than $30/btl if you've got the patience for navigating deals.

This pricing condition has been in place for some time and while it last I'm a buyer, and I'd encourage you to be as well.

2016 EnRoute Russian River Valey Les Pommiers Pinot Noir
14.5% Alcohol
$60 Release Price

Medium bodied visually for California Pinot Noir with an absolutely gorgeous nose of perfectly ripened strawberries, dusty bramble berries, and a hint of baking spices. Absolutely spot on.

The mouth-feel (silky verging on velvet) and transition from the aromatic experience to the palate is seamless. Satisfying body with just a touch of tannic grip compounds with blackberry flavors on its way to a lingering finish.

94/100 WWP: Oustanding+

I've found this wine to be reliable outstanding in the range of 92-95 points across a number of vintages and it's firmly in my rotation year in and year out.

Although their parent company Nickel & Nickel focuses on Napa Cab they clearly have a skillful hand with Pinot Noir.

This wine is absolutely (and reliably) delicious and I would offer it up as a textbook example of why I love California Pinot Noir.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on it if you have a chance to check it out.

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