Washington Pinot Noir v. Burgundy

The Tour de France finished last Sunday with the traditional parade into Paris followed by several high speed laps around the Champs-Elysees.  This year's tour lacked any serious attacking by the top GC contenders.  They all appeared to be biding their time until the Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe would crack under the pressure of wearing the Yellow Jersey for nearly the entire race.

Things finally came to life in the last few days that featured three big days of climbing in the French Alps.  Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and the penultimate climbing stage was cut short due to hail and mud slides.  The racers times were taken at the top of the Col d'Iseran and as a result Alaphillipe finally lost the race lead to Egan Bernal who only had to hold his GC leader position on Stage 20, which also ended up being shortened due to the same mud slides.

The race appeared to be building to a crescendo with Thibaut Pinot showing signs of being the top climber in the tour.  But everything came crashing down on Stage 19.  Not just the hail and mud slides, but also Pinot's race as he retired just 30 kilometers into the stage due to a torn thigh muscle.

This week's challenge pays tribute to Thibaut Pinot, one of France's top racers and strongest hope to once again have a Frenchman win le Tour.

Succession Wines 2017 Pinot Noir v. R. Dubois & Fils 2015 Nuits Saint Georges Burgundy


Tale of the Tape

Succession Wines 2017 Pinot Noir

100% Pinot Noir from the Antoine Creek Vineyard

Provided as a sample by the winery.  Available at retail for $40.













R. Dubois & Fils 2015 Nuits Saint Georges Burgundy

100% Pinot Noir grown on their estate vineyard.  The vines are all at least 30 years old.

Aged for 15 months prior to bottling including 6-9 months in one third new oak barrels.

Purchased at West Seattle Wine Cellars for $48.









Round one. First Opening.

The Succession Luchador kicks things off with style, featuring a nose of earthy brambles and savory dried red berries.  The palate is similar with dried berries, herbal spices and earthy overtones backed up with a fine touch of acidity.

The French challenger brings more force to the ring with a nose of darker red fruit and savory asphalt tones.  The palate shows floral notes, tart cherries and earthy notes with a strong tannin driven finish.

R. Dubois takes the opening round with a stunning show of strength.

Round two. One hour later.

Succession is regrouping and working out a strategy to fight strength with agility.  The nose has notes of herbal dried strawyberries and huckleberry, and earthy spices.  The palate doubles down on the spices with earthy white pepper up front followed by dried red berries and a fine acidic finish.

R. Dubois seems a bit over confident after winning round two, taking a more relaxed approach into round two.  The nose has notes of dark raspberry and light herbal menthol spices.  The palate is slightly laid back with medium red berries and herbal floral white pepper notes.  The tannin finish has mellowed substantially.

The Washington Luchador takes round two, dancing around the lumbering French challenger with a spicy attack.  That evens that match at 1 round a piece.

Round three.  One day later.

The match is all tied up.  Which Luchador is going to bring a strong finish and take the match?

Succession leaps into the ring off the top turnbuckle.  This Washington Luchador is bringing the goods!  The nose is continuing to evolve with herbal brambles, strawberry notes and light all spice.  The palate follows with similar style adding more emphasis on the spices and solid acidity on the finish.

The French Luchador is fighting back with a nose of dark red berries, light coffee bean and menthol spices.  The palate follows suit with dark berries, earthy menthol spices and hints of savory overtones driven by a fine tannin finish.

This round was close to call, but the judges give the final round to Succession based on speed, style and aggression.

Wrap up and overall observations

These two wines show a significant difference in style.  The Washington Pinot Noir is lighter with nice earthy spicy character.  The French Pinot Noir from Burgundy was darker and showed a surprising amount of tannins.

The Succession shows a bit more acidity and liveliness and would make an excellent food pairing wine.

With its darker character the R. Dubois will stand on its own or pair well with a heavier meal.

Both wines are drinking well right now and I would recommend both.

Stay tuned for the final Tour de France installment featuring Succession Syrah vs. France.