It is a massive generalization,

I know, but it is one I like to use anyhow:  Women are from Burgundy.  Men are from Bordeaux.  Women prefer Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Barolo.  Men prefer Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese.  Like I said it is a massive generalization and it ain't perfect by any stretch.  The biggest flaw to me being that many women love Merlot, a Bordeaux variety.

But I am sticking with it regardless.

My sweetie loves Pinot Noir.  It is her favorite red variety.  I would much rather have Cab, Merlot or a Bordeaux blend.  She loves sparkling wine, and I do, too, but I have no palate for it.  She is much better at expressing what she is tasting than I am when it comes to bubbles.

2007 Radio Coteau Nebblina

My problem with Pinot Noir is that for the most part I only really like Burgundies.  And then the problem with that problem is that it is hard to find really good red Burgundy for under twenty dollars.  The "budget" Burgundies that I like the most start at around twenty-five dollars retail.  Meanwhile, it is very easy to find rocking bordeaux-style blends, or Bordeaux itself, or regular Cali Cab and Merlot at around twelve dollars and up.

With the exception of Kent Rasmussen's Ramsay North Coast Pinot Noir ($16-17) I have yet to find a reliable vintage in and vintage out under twenty dollar California Pinot Noir.

And then there is the other problem:  California Pinot Noir at the over twenty dollar range is invariably way too hot and way way way too over-oaked, tasting burnt.

My customers love LaCrema ($19) but I cannot stand it.  All you taste is barrel.  There is no fruit, at all.

More Spring Mountain fruit, my fave Norcal appellation.  This is Keenan 2006 Mernet, the wine we enjoyed on Oscar night.

No wonder I am always bringing home Cab and Merlot or blends of the same.  (I love Chinon and Cabernet Franc, too.  Renee likes the York Creek Spring Mountain Cuvee One ($16, a Cab Franc/Cabernet blend.  York Creek is one of my mostest favoritist wineries.  It is Fritz Maytag's winery.  He is the guy who saved Anchor Brewing and made it in to one of the best breweries in America whilst the rest of his Maytag family are either making appliances or the fab Maytag blue cheese.)  But if I bring home Chinon she frowns, too vegetal.

So, it was wonderful to see her bring home more Radio Coteau last night, a 2007! It was a wonderful present.  Thanks, sweetie! It was gone rather too quickly (but we have a 2008, warming up in the bullpen.)  I have discussed Radio Coteau in this space before but let me remind you that although not really Burgundian in style (frick, everyone here in Cali claims that they are Burgundian in style and none of them are.  They do not have the soil, damnitt.  Ugh.)  Radio Coteau is one of the finest Cali Pinot Noirs evah!

Guess how much it costs? Fifty frickin dollars! (and worth every penny, honestly, it is a magical wine) and the one we've been drinking, the Nebblina, is Radio Coteau's entry-level wine!

That is what it is like drinking Pinot Noir in California.  Ugh.  Get me a glass of Stephen Vincent Merlot, please ($11.)

Of course if you live in France it is a whole different story.  Those amazing Burgundies are dirt cheap there.

(Even accounting for the dock strikes.  I love France.  All of the US, waiting patiently for the 2010 Roses to sell.  They are all on hold due to a strike in France.  Hang in there Wisconsin 14!)

All my love, Mwah!, ...