Pinot Noir Downtown
Since it’s November in Central New York, we decided to go indoors and taste a red wine at Nobody’s in Armory Square, downtown Syracuse.
The Armory Square neighborhood boasts many beloved dining and drinking establishments in Syracuse including Pastabilities (our friend Dottie’s favorite dinner spot), The York (known especially for high end cocktails and a raw bar), and Kitty Hoynes (welcoming Irish pub with friendly servers, good food & drink, and often live music). As you can probably tell, Armory Square is often a destination for an evening of food and fun.
It was a fairly quiet night at the wine bar and after trying out a few different chairs, like the three bears, we decided seats at the bar were just right. The next task was what to taste and, with some input from the bartender, or should I say sommelier, we decided to sample Pinot Noir.
To provide some background, Pinot Noir is the name of a grape which is used to produce its namesake red wine but also plays a part in some Rosé and is one of the three grape varieties in Champagne. Like so many of the finest wines, Pinot Noir originates from Burgundy, France, and since it grows well in cooler climates also thrives in California (Sonoma), Oregon, Chile, and New Zealand (Otago). According to wine, travel, and food journalist, Brian Freedman, “Pinot Noir is a relatively higher acid grape variety, structured more by those acids than by particularly assertive tannins. Flavors of red berries and cherries are commonly found, as well as a counterpoint of subtle floral perfume and a more earthy base note reminiscent of mushrooms or forest floor. Even hints of tea can be experienced.” Brian Freedman, “Pinot Noir Makes Some of World’s Best Wines – Here’s How to Find a Great Bottle” Food and Wine, August 28, 2024.
Many people enjoy both Merlot and Pinot Noir so we wondered how the two wines compare. According to Masterclass Website, “Merlot is darker in color, with flavor notes of dark fruits like blackberries. Pinot noir is lighter in color with tasting notes of red fruits like raspberries. In addition, Merlot is most often used in blends. Pinot noir is mostly produced as a single varietal wine.”
When it comes to food paring, Pinot Noir is quite versatile. Our expert, Brian Freedman, speaks to the wide range of food that work well with Pinot Noir, including salmon, mushrooms and game meats and specifies that “Pinot and duck is a classic pairing, and pork tenderloin alongside a great Pinot will lift any dinner to the stratosphere.”
Turning to our tasting, our sommelier suggested we try Three Sticks Pinot Noir from Sonoma and Southern Lines from New Zealand. Since the Three Sticks was on the tasting menu, we were able to try one ounce of the wine for $7; a full glass was priced at $35 which is out of our price range (maybe we need a bigger budget). The Southern Lines was a more affordable option but, as you can read below, sometimes you really do get what you pay for.
To recap our novice approach to tasting: none of us is a wine expert but we know what we like and are happy to share our unbiased opinion with you. To keep things consistent, we developed our own unique rating system: pass, glass, bottle, case; you can interpret it as 1, 2, 3, and 4 stars.
Three Sticks Pinot Noir (Sonoma, California)
Although we only tried a few sips, everyone in the group agreed that the Three Sticks was full of flavor and absolutely delicious. Pam and Carolyn loved it. Kathy described the “light, crisp taste” and mentioned the “wine was easy to drink.” Eileen found the wine “very smooth” and “wanted more.” And Kate, who doesn’t even like reds, enjoyed “the soft and velvety textures and cherry and dark berry flavors.” Taking the price point into consideration, we would buy a bottle for a special occasion, but a case is out of our wine budget.
Winemaker: The wine unfolds with black cherry and cranberry notes as you journey through each sip, painting a vivid picture of the region’s vibrant fruit offerings. The richness of cardamom spice adds depth, infused with sweet red and purple fruit. The wine’s texture delivers a warm embrace as you savor each nuanced layer, wrapping you in a smooth finish.
Retail Cost: $80 per bottle.
Rating: Buy a BOTTLE.
We would love a case, or two, but the cost holds us back.
Southern Lines Pinot Noir 2021
(Otago, New Zealand)
It is possible that an earthy red wine is an acquired taste but in months of sampling wine, this was the first bottle that we didn’t enjoy. Kate couldn’t finish her glass and felt that the Southern Lines “tasted heavy with deep nutty flavors.” Kathy was diplomatic saying “those who like stronger tasting wine might enjoy the earthy taste, but it was not for me.” Carolyn was less positive about the earthy tones suggesting “you could almost taste dirt.” Pam and Eileen didn’t like this one either – they both wanted more of the first one.
Winemaker: Lifted aromas of wild cherry opening up to savory and elegant floral notes. Powerful yet elegant Pinot Noir showcasing bright cherry fruits underlined by ripe and silky tannins. The palate combines acidity and roundness, giving texture and very good length. Finishes with spicy and toasted notes.
Retail Cost: $19 per bottle.
Rating: PASS.
Cheers to all from Kathy, Kate, Pam, Carolyn, and Eileen.
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