Auteur - the Zenith of Artisanal Pinot Noir
Zenith - Merriam-Webster defines it as the highest point or a culminating point.
Artisanal – Made by a skilled worker or artisan.
Pinot Noir – Known for being temperamental and difficult to grow, this grape varietal can yield tremendous wines that are also extremely food friendly. When discussing pinot noir, famed wine critic Robert Parker says: "When it's great, pinot noir produces the most complex, hedonistic, and remarkably thrilling red wine in the world..."
Throw these three definitions in a grape press and out comes…Auteur Pinot Noir.
Auteur owner and winemaker Kenneth Juhasz, after perfecting his craft with stints in Oregon, California and New Zealand, created his first two limited release pinots in 2003. Since that time the number of wines produced has increased and the quality has ratcheted up even further. The glowing reviews continue to roll in, and now it’s time for the Connoisseur to share. (No, that doesn’t mean you’re coming over to drink!)
Over the weekend I was able to meet Kenneth and try two of his new releases, the 2006 Sonoma Stage Pinot Noir (from California, of course) and the 2006 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir from Oregon.
All I can say is…WOW x 2! These are some voluptuous Pinot Noirs.
The wines are certainly unique from each other in character - the Sonoma Stage more mineral and earth focused and the Shea leaning a bit more toward the fruit - but the commonality lies in their depth of structure and amazing texture along with supple and well integrated tannins. Sure to become cult favorites in the coming years, these wines easily garner a Connoisseur Corner Recommended rating..!
Along with the Shea and Sonoma Stage pinots, Kenneth also has 2006 releases from Hyland Vineyard and Manchester Ridge as well as a pair of California Chardonnays, the Hyde Vineyard and Donum Vineyard. We’ve tasted the Hyde and it is excellent as well.
By the way, while I am on definitions – Auteur: an artist (as a musician or writer) whose style and practice are distinctive.