Grochau Cellars Commuter Pinot noir 2011

Review:

A Grochau Cellars Commuter Pinot noir at a Prix de France level.

Always on the lookout for local Pinot Noir that offer a high complexity/dollar ratio, this one from John Grochau has been a candidate for several years running. The 2011 offers a level of balance and depth that few wines in this price range can claim. The best. Even better than last year. I was so sad I didn't get to take the rest of the sample bottle home. And the price - killer.

The 2011 Commuter begins with a sweet spicy cherry perfume that is notable for it's purity. The palate is comprised of this same sweet red cherry fruit and complicated by notes of licorice, tea leaf and a vein of darker fruit at the center. Softly textured but bright on the finish, this stuff just begs for turkey. A great choice for holiday dinners and gifts. - Jean

below, John and Kerri

2010 Vintage Tasting Notes

The Grochau Cellars Commuter Pinot noir is one of the hottest value wines in Oregon. It barely leaves the Portland metro area, but you can always get it from us! The first 2010 Pinot is a harbinger of good things to come -- juicy, super-fresh cherry and raspberry fruit gives you easy drinking pleasure. The creamy finish is icing. This will disappear fast... Marcus

This is the "Bike Wine" that's snapped up in Portland (where John is based) as soon as it appears.

John Grochau says: "bright, fresh, vibrant, perfumed. I sacrificed some of my high end Pinots to make this vintage of the "Bike" especially good. It includes fruit from Domaine Coteau's vineyard." (It also contains fruit from another famous vineyard that he did not want to name).

John is drinking his Grochau Cellars Commuter pinot noir with herb and chevre stuffed baked chicken, grilled salmon, and dishes made with wild mushrooms.

PHILANTHROPY

A portion of proceeds from the sale of this wine will go to the Brett Jarolimek Memorial Fund, created in honor of cyclist Brett Jarolimek, and is a joint venture between the Bike Gallery and the Bicycle Transportation Alliance to promote bicycle safety and awareness throughout Oregon.

CYCLING OPPORTUNITY

If you are in Oregon in August, come see us at the Alpine Century Ride, Alpine, Oregon. Wild and scenic beauty, lightly traveled roads, challenging ascents and descents, great door prizes, and even better food.