07 Billard-Gonnet Pommard Chaponnieres VV & '06 Martinelli Pinot Noir Three Sisters Vineyard "Sea Ridge Meadow"

Warming up for our annual Pinot Noir dinner scheduled for next weekend where we will be comparing mixed flights of red Burgundy,  California Pinot Noir and Oregon Pinot Noir,  which is always great fun. 
In a bit of a role reversal, the Pommard is the bigger (yet not ponderous) wine. Dark cherry and sous bois notes with a hint of anise. The boldness belies its 13% abv. Not a terribly complex Burg, but it does unfold a bit with air. Quite drinkable now with another 5 or so years of good drinking ahead. 
The Martinelli Three Sisters comes from solid pedigree, of course. It is the more elegant of the two wines, in spite of its 14.9% abv. Satiny mouthfeel, Rainier cherry palate with a bit more pronounced florals on the nose than the Burg. There's a very alluring sweetness, almost slightly caramel note, that could be attributable to the oak - but it is not off-putting. .. just presents a nice counterpoint to the Pommard.