The 2008 Manuel Olivier Bourgogne Pinot Noir is sourced from grapes grown in the Cotes de Nuits sub-region of Burgundy, France. This is the entry level Pinot Noir for Manuel Olivier, an up and coming Burgundy winemaker. The label says, “Mis en Bouteille par Manuel Olivier”,(meaning bottled by Manuel Olivier, not grown by) which indicates this a wine made from purchased grapes, but the cork says, “Mis en Bouteille a La Propriete”, (bottled on the property where the grapes are grown) which means this is an estate wine. Maybe it is a combination of both. The Pinot was aged in French oak barrels for 18 months (30% new barrels, 30% one year old barrels and 40% over 3 year old barrels). The winemaker says this Pinot Noir can be cellared for up to 20 years. The alcohol content is 12.5%.
The color is extremely see-thru, pale strawberry red with apricot highlights. The nose is cherry and raspberry, mushroom and vanilla, along with dried hay. A light bodied but firm Pinot Noir, it starts with balanced, tart cherry, raspberry tea and a dusting of cocoa powder. The mid palate brings a light touch of strawberries in cream and a nice slap from the tannins. There is good length to this Pinot, with a healthy, balanced dose of acidity. The finish is the raspberry tea and cocoa powder and it lingers for some time.
I found this Pinot Noir at Artisan Cellars in the Merchandise Mart, Chicago for $13,30 (tax included), which is a crazy good price for a quality Burgundy Pinot. A fine Pinot Noir that will do well at Thanksgiving dinner or any other occasion where a light bodied Red is called for. Burgundy Pinot Noir is all about balance, but the Manuel Olivier has enough bright fruit (along with the proper balance and acidity) to appeal to American wine drinkers.
