PNEU 2007 Pinot Noir
Ahh, breakfast. When the palate is at its sharpest, able to detect the most fine points of a wine’s characteristics. Unless ya just rolled in from an all-nighter that is…but that’s not VdV, no siree Bob. And I’m overjoyed that I kept my taste buds tasty, ‘cuz I just found my P’new fave Pinot Noir!
Pneu, you say? Pshaw! Anyhoo, this killer Pneu Pinot Noir is pronounced ‘pen-new’. What does ‘pneu’ mean, anyway? Well, according to the wine’s back label, one definition is ‘to breathe’. A French translation is ‘tire’. As in automobile tire. Damn, why does everything always sound so much better in French?! And, according to Webster’s it’s a made up word with no definition. I like it! Let’s establish a new definition for ‘pneu’.
I think the first thing is to start adding a ‘P’ sound before each ‘N’ word you say. No not that ‘N’ word, 
John Mayer. What a douche.
Anyhoo, I digress. But I do think it could catch on. Hey Pneu People, there might be a branding campaign in the works here!
Whatever, this Pinot rocks. I kid you not. Why? Yeah there’s many who poo poo Pinots, unless it’s from Burgundy itself (or maybe Oregon, or Santa Barbara) it just doesn’t compare. Well P’screw you traditional Pinot Haters! Just kidding. Plus since that didn’t start with an ‘N’ it violated our rule. Pneu hails from Anderson Valley.
So here’s why am I singing such high praise for Pneu: Cuz it’s the real deal, kittens! I mean, this wine has a lot going on. I hate to say ‘multi-dimensional’ as that sounds so…Robert Parker Jr.-ish. Lots ‘o layers, how about we settle on that? Good. You are so agreeable this morning!
The 2007 Pneu exhibits everything a traditional Pinot should, with its own distinct personality to boot. It has a nice clear garnet hue, with just a hint of cola color. Pneu has delicate floral aromas with hints of violet and rose, mixed with a dusty earthiness and hints of dark berries. It tantalizes the taste buds with vibrant yet refined layers of ripe raspberry, dark cherry, & cocoa powder (I know, maybe a little unusual for a Pinot). The tannins are evident, but will mellow over time. This is a young ‘un but drinks exceptionally well now. But if you would rather put it back for a few years it’ll just get mo betta.
It also pairs well if you’re in the mood to p’nosh on munchies like sheep’s milk cheese (think Camembert or Pecorino Tartufo), or little pork p’niblets, or veal…hell this would pair well with popcorn.
This is a difficult vino to find, as they didn’t craft much of it this time around. Hey Pneu People – make more, we’ll drink it! It goes for about $50 bones, so if you are subject to cheap attacks it might be a stretch for ya. But hey, everyone needs to splurge on occasion. It’s worth the price! You can find it at V Wine Cellars in Yountville. It’s worth the trip up there to grab some before it’s all gone, or give ‘em a ring.