Spork and Knife

Every once in awhile, it’s fun to splurge.  Sure, buying wine under $10 is economical and often very good, but sometimes it’s fun to explore the $15-and-up shelf. 

When venturing into the world of $15-and-up wines I make sure to have a recommendation.  It’s fun to play the “lets take a chance game” with a $7 bottle of wine, and find that hidden gem (amongst the ones that taste like paint thinner), but not when breaking out the Jacksons.  

I stumbled upon Big Fire 2006 Pinot Noir during my weekly wandering of the Whole Foods wine section.  As  I traversed the aisles looking for a deal, I spotted the wine guy and made my way over to chat.  After talking with him for awhile, I found out that he was retired, at his job simply for the love of wine and his favorite grape was Pinot Noir.  Though he insisted on showing me the $50 bottles, we eventually made our way down to the $15-$20 range where he pointed out Big Fire as a wine he bought by the case and his go-to ”drinking wine”. 

I snatched up a bottle for $20 and hoped that “wine guy” knew his stuff.

Fast forward a few days when D and I decided to eat in.  What better addition to a night spent lounging at home than my “wine guy” bottle of Pinot?  Not able to wait until dinner we undid the screw cap…yes, screw cap and took in the fruity aroma.  Sensing this was a wine that needed to breathe, we poured two classes and busied ourselves. 

Upon returning to my glass I found a smooth, light fruity wine that contradicted itself with depth and substance after the first few sips.  Definetley a ”drinking wine”.  It paired itself nicely with our steaks, and again with dessert.  In my opinion, Pinots drink well throughout a meal, from meat to the sweets. 

If you stumble across this Oregon bottle, give it a chance.  Let this post be your recommendation.  If you’re feeling lucky, then stike up a conversation with YOUR local wine guy/gal and hopefully they will steer you towards a keeper.