A trio of Pinot Noirs, Rippon, Kooyong and Delaport

Pinot Noir is fairly widespread now and Burgundy is no longer the only place producing top quality wines from this grape. I was lucky enough to taste my way through a dozen Pinot Noirs that focused on alternative regions of the world. Austria was impressive with the 2004 Nittnaus Pinot Noirs showing well. France's less well known Pinot producing areas, such as Sancerre, came out strong with Vincent Delaport's Chavignol 2007. Here's a quick round up on the three wines that impressed me.

Domaine Vincent Delaport, Sancerre 2007. One of the lighter Pinot Noirs of the tasting, this was definitely more elegant and feminine. The tannins were delicate, piquing the taste buds with a lovely crisp apple acidity. There was very little if any oak influence, the wine was 50% stainless steel tank fermented and 50% old neutral oak. This Pinot, very much relies on the quality of the fruit to display it's interesting qualities.

Kooyong Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2006. One of the more extracted wines on the line up. It gave lovely ripe Pinot fruit, soft and alluring. The wine lacked a bit of acidity, but was still very enjoyable, delicious texture and a some great, if a bit dusty tannins. The flavours range between BBQ sauce, meaty notes and a bit of liquorice and soy sauce.

Rippon Central Otago Pinot Noir 2005. Probably the most complete Pinot in the line up. The 2005 was head and shoulders above the 2004, with was a little past it and the 2006 which was less ripe and more thin. The 2005, displayed toast, a sexy little touch of Volatile acidity and some good oak. The acidity is less pronounced making it seem more luscious on the palate. Tannins keep the sensation alive in your mouth 30-40 seconds after the wine slides down your throat. Very good!