Clr_pn01Chateau Lafayette Reneau isn’t a new winery to the LENNDEVOURS tasting team. We’ve had their seyval blanc blend before (it’s not bad) and for July’s WBW#11, we tasted their Johannisburg Riesling.

The basics are:

  • Located in Hector, NY on  Seneca Lake (in the Finger Lakes region)
  • Bottlings include: pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon,
    riesling, chardonnay and a late harvest riesling

After I was disappointed by a different Finger Lakes pinot for the most recent WBW, I wanted to get right back on the proverbial horse and try another one. The cool growing conditions in that region make it hard for me to believe that someone isn’t making good pinot noir there.

This bottle proves me right.

Eyes: Medium-to-light ruby

Nose: The nose offers mostly cherry and toasty oak aromas with hints of cherry cola

Tongue: "Now this is a nice pinot noir." Not the most complex pinot in the world, but nice cherry, spice and slightly earthy flavors. Some tannin (in a good way) and terrific acidity. Nice balance and a great food wine (like a pinot should be).

Price: $20

Lenn’s Grade: B+/A-
Nena’s Grade: N/A