Nicolas Potel 2018 Bourgogne Pinot Noir ($16.99)

This fresh, young Bourgogne Pinot Noir from Nicolas Potel shows a dark reddish-purple color in the glass, shading to a clear garnet edge. Fresh, appetizing fruit aromas mix black plum and red berries, with a subtle smoky note. Black and red fruit carry over to the palate as a dry flavor firmly framed with bright, palate-cleansing acidity. Soft tannins appear in mid-palate and carry into a long, clean finish with 13% alcohol in balance. U.S. importer: WinesU, Eddystone, Pa. (March 18, 2021)

FOOD MATCH: Typical of Pinot Noir’s diversity at the table, it was wonderful with a pasta dish of wild mushrooms in a light, garlicky tomato sauce. It also paired delightfully with leftover locally farmed lamb and beef from a favorite restaurant. The winery also suggests Oeufs Meurette, a classic Burgundian dish of poached eggs in a rich red-wine sauce.

WHEN TO DRINK: It’s delicious now, and with its good balance of fruit, acid, and tannins and a sturdy metal screw cap, it should remain enjoyable for several years.

VALUE:
It’s a fine value at Wine-Searcher.com’s $19 average U.S. retail; better still at my $17 local price. If you can find it in the $20 range or below, buy up.

WEB LINK:
Here’s a detailed fact sheet from importer WinesU.

FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Check prices and find vendors for Nicolas Potel Bourgogne Pinot Noir on Wine-Searcher.com.

This Wine-searcher link provides more information about the Burgundy negociant Nicolas Potel and offers links to vendors and prices for Potel’s wines.

Follow this Wine-Searcher link to find Bourgogne Rouge listings across a broad price range on Wine-Searcher.com.

WINE FOCUS: TALK ABOUT PINOT NOIR:
Join this month’s Wine Focus conversation, WINE 103: The Wines of Pinot Noir, in our WineLovers Discussion Group.