For Pinot Noir Fans

Filed in archive California Wines on May 5, 2006

Lovers of Pinot Noir might find this press release from Andrew Lane Wines of interest. Looks like they have a new Gamay Noir out, which is a little more fruity than your usual Pinot Noir:

Andrew Lane, a purveyor of New World wines, proudly introduces its new, limited production 2004 Gamay Noir. Available today at $19 MSRP, Andrew Lane Gamay Noir promises to turn Pinot Noir fans sideways over this incredibly fruit-forward, vibrant, anytime, anywhere wine.

Andrew Lane 2004 Gamay has the mouth-feel and velvety texture of a Pinot Noir, but with a more vibrant, red fruit character. It offers a lively bouquet and flavor of fresh red cherries, red currents, with touches of strawberry and spice on the finish.

According to Greg Cole, Chef/Owner of Napa-based Celadon and Cole's Chop House, "While I love Pinot Noir, I hadn't yet tried a Gamay Noir. It's always refreshing to find something new, especially in a valley where choices can be overwhelming. Andrew Lane Gamay Noir has a real ripeness to it -- a fresh fruit quality that is very good and delicious."

The 2004 Gamay is produced from 50+ year-old vines, one of the last remaining Gamay vineyards in Napa Valley. Often described as a California Rhone, Gamay Noir a'Jus Blanc is closely related to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and is the primary black grape of France's Beaujolais region.