Tried a couple of inexpensive California Pinot Noirs with smoked rotisserie chicken tonight. First up was the 2009 Chime Cellars Pinot Noir, California. Transparent in color, the Chime Pinot Noir is light-bodied with a decidedly herbal edge. Notes of strawberry, tart raspberry, light spice and Provencal herbs in the nose. Tart raspberry, vanilla and citrusy/grapefruit acidity are present on the palate. Short finish with a slightly tarry note. Looking back, this wine probably would have fared better with food with an herbal/citrus component. Worth trying again. About $11
Next up was the 2009 Block Nine Caiden's Vineyards Pinot Noir, California. Much darker color than the Chime, I was immediately expecting this wine to be somewhat richer and I was not disappointed. Ripe raspberry and cherry fruit with sweet vanilla scents on the nose. Medium-bodied on the palate with richer, rounder fruit and a similar note of rosemary/lavender herb. Nice acidity with moderate tannins. Long, dry, herbal finish. This was the superior pairing with tonight's dinner and certainly bears future purchases. About $12
I can sense this leading up to a Chime/Block Nine/Sean Minor showdown in the near future!
The chicken was rubbed down with kosher salt, ginger and rosemary before being rotisseried over charcoal spiked with cherry and apple wood. The chicken going on the rotisserie:
The finished product:
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