'99 Nicolas Potel Volnay Mitans & '99 Martinelli Pinot Noir Martinelli Vineyard Reserve

 Intriguing comparison of pinot noir interpreted from Cote de Beaune and Russian River Valley.  As with the Quintarelli and Dal Forno last weekend these are both very nice wines, however I think they are best enjoyed on their own. For the record, the Potel Volnay Mitans was the favorite.  

'99 Potel Volnay Mitans:
Seemed like this wine took a loooong time to really open up and show its stuff.  It benefits from several hours of slow-o and time in the glass.  Very well balanced at 13% abv. Tart dark cherry fruit complemented by sous bois with elegantly aged mineral framework.  Delicious with chicken marsala. The Volnay perfume was subdued at first, with ephemeral florals blossoming after several hours. Very fine grained sediment. Not the most compelling example of a '99 Volnay 1er Cru I have had, but quite enjoyable.

'99 Martinelli Pinot Noir Martinelli Vineyard Reserve 
OK, I concede that this wine can be perceived as a bit over-the-top at 15.5% abv. However,  Martinelli makes some darn tasty, long-lived pinot noir. Big, spicy raspberry fruit and an alluring nose with anise accent. I always enjoy this wine on its own merits. I think they stopped making the Martinelli Vineyard Reserve around 2003 (sold off the vineyard or something?), so I try to pick up some every year through a reliable source.