Gruet Pinot Noir 2006

I took a big leap of faith and ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir from New Mexico a couple of nights ago (Huckleberry Bar, Williamsburg). Produced by a French winemaker Gilbert Gruet, this bottle tastes like a Burgundy. A classic black cherry/cassis mouth, fresh and energetic, medium body and a funky sauerkraut bouquet. Although the bottle claims oak barrel, I didn't taste or smell much of it (which is a good thing). Great wine, wish it was a bit cheaper.

$46 in a bar, $26 retail
81 points

Odoardi Savuto, 2005

A pretty unusual blend of Gaglioppo, Greco Nero, Nerello Capuccio and Magliocco Canino from Calabria. Very pungent bouquet of lavender and spices with a note of opium, medium body, deep brownish red. The mouth is equally funky with black fruit, tobacco, molasses, bitter herbs and some earthy, mineral aftertaste... nor schiste though. Perhaps the coolest thing about this wine is the many flavors I got to taste and smell for the first time...

40$ @ Bar Veloce NYC, 81 points