1999 Vincent Girardin Pommard Les Rugiens and 2002 Martinelli Pinot Noir Martinelli Vineyard Reserve

Doing a side by side Burgundy and California pinot noir tasting is fun and a popular way to underscore the differences in pinot noir from the respective regions.
Lately in these tastings, the Burgundies have tended to outpace the California counterparts, and this evening was no exception.  Both wines were opened a couple of hours prior to dinner.
The '99 Vincent Girardin Pommard Les Rugiens (13% abv) was the hands-down favorite.  Lithe florals on the nose with cherry palate complemented by a a seductive minerality that made the wine impossible to resist.
The '02 Martinelli Reserve (14.5% abv) was good, but not as fresh as the '98 vintage examples we've enjoyed recently. Mellow raspberry. .. the fruit was hanging in there ... dusty mouthfeel with the nicely aged tannins... alluring sous bois. A very nice pinot noir on its own, but just didnt show the food friendliness of the Pommard.
Paired with Latin mopped and brined bone in pork chop, smashed corn and white cheddar grit cake and stuffed poblano.