DRG 2021 Pinot Noir

DRG - Dis Really Good!

With headquarters in the Barossa in Australia and the Sonoma region in northern California, DRG wines (named for Darryl Rex Groom), are producing some great expressions from each of these regions.

We recently had the opportunity to sip a little of his Sonoma 2021 Pinot Noir. Whilst we are now on a boycott of all things American (thanks to the Mango Mussolini in the White House), we can say this was pre tariffs.

Standing this up against a local Pinot makes for some interesting tasting. This is jammy, bold and powerful, in contrast to some of the more delicate pinot noir we have been drinking from Yarra Valley, Mornington and Geelong. Each with their own distinct terroir, they tend more to the lighter, more feminine style. This is the opposite, at 14.5% alc content.

The nose is spicy and smoky, with a dark plum and boysenberry hint, with a wisp of lilac. Its lovely and complex at the same time. The palate is all about smoke, cloves and baking spices, rich dark fruits and forest notes, with very prominent tannins. It demands food, rather than something to be quaffed on its own - fatty fish, mushrooms, hard cheese, lamb or even a good pizza. It stands up well with the richer, earthier side of the food spectrum.

You can pick this up for around $40 a bottle if you are lucky. Otherwise, con a friend with a bottle to share it with you... its really good. Big, hot, bold and brawny.

RRP $40

http://www.groomwines.com/

USA |2021 | Russian River Sonoma  | 14.4%