2016 Pinot Noir La Côte

It’s always a pleasure to taste with Rajar Parr and Sashi Moorman at Domaine de la Côte, as they are among the most thoughtful and introspective winemakers of their generation. In 2016, Parr and Moorman made a set of wines that will shock readers for their density and pure power. Personally, I have never believed alcohol levels are the be all and end all of wine, but the 2016s are all a full percent or so higher in alcohol than previous vintages. My prediction: These 2016s will be a huge commercial success, which is quite ironical given Parr’s advocacy for lower-alcohol wines in the past. Ultimately, though, what counts is what is in the glass, and the 2016s are spectacular. As always, the commitment here to organic farming and hands-off winemaking in pretty much all aspects is commendable.