Description
This is the “reserve” Pinot Noir, named in honor of Elio’s father Emerico. It is both a selection of the oldest vines of the estate, cropped at a 33% lower yield, and aged entirely in conical oak vessels for a longer period. It is a relatively new cuvée, being produced only for the past few years. Elio says that it is very similar to the regular Pinot Noir, but with everything turned up a bit: a bit more intensity, a bit more concentration, a bit more savory. When I pressed him to tell me which vintage he has yet made that is his favorite, he told me 2018, which isn’t technically for sale yet……I asked if I might include both the 2017 and the 2018, and he graciously obliged. Every vintage has a story and some character, so it will be fun to compare……
“The Ottin 2017 Vallee d’Aoste Pinot Noir l’Emerico shows a dark ruby color with faint sepia hues. Compared to the 2016 vintage that I tasted at the same time, this wine delivers a slightly broader or more linear personality. It doesn’t have the same depth as the 2016, or the classic 2017 Pinot Noir by Elio Ottin that I found to be quite spectacular. In fact, I prefer that wine to this one. But you get plenty of dark fruit intensity with wild cherry and cassis. Iron ore, pressed violets and orange peel follow closely.” 93 Monica Larner
