Here’s a very Burgundian (more than most Burgundies today), top-rated Pinot Noir that’s made by a bunch of princes and was once the favorite of a Queen. (Actually an Empress, Maria Theresa, the only Habsburg empress and mother of Marie Antoinette.) “Let them drink Esterházy!”
It was also a favorite of the Esterházys’ court composer, Haydn, who always took part of his payment in wine.
And it’s my favorite under-$20 Pinot Noir right now.
The German magazine Falstaff rates this 2017 Pinot “outstanding,” saying:
Medium ruby colour, violet reflections, delicate brightening around edge. Fine red berry confit with hints of tobacco, a touch of orange zest, delicate cherry notes. Juicy, elegant, silky tannins, fine spicy, raspberry touch on the finish, sticks well, great food companion.
There’s no American press (though the Wine Enthusiast rated both the 2015 and 2016 “Outstanding”), as I’m pretty sure we’re the only American store selling this. But there’s a gracefulness to it – a Burgundian calm and confident complexity and class – you will very seldom find outside of Burgundy…at any price.