Maison Noir O.P.P. Pinot Noir 2023

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Maison Noir O.P.P. (Other People’s Pinot) Pinot Noir is an old favorite from Andre Mack’s stable of Maison Noir wines. If the path from sommelier to winemaker is becoming more common, Andre Hueston Mack is still in a class of his own. The former sommelier of The French Laundry and Wine Director of Per Se, Andre earned the right to make wine for the 1% but he found his calling in creating excellent wines that everyone can enjoy. Maison Noir is considered a micro-negociant (“Garage d’Or”) with a stable lineup of vineyards along with the ability to nimbly acquire premium fruit. All of his wines are Oregon-based with an eye towards being good companions with food as well as being fun and approachable for novices and experienced drinkers alike. Andre’s sense of humor comes through in his labels including Oregogne, Horseshoes and Handgrenades and O.P.P. (Other People’s Pinot).

Other People’s Pinot is classic Oregon Pinot—earmark Willamette Valley. It is accessible, a great value, and stays true to the character of the vineyards from which it was born. Earthy, spicy, floral, herb-framed flavors of cherry with gingery wood spice tones. Medium-full in body with silky tannins, this red wine gem is nicely balanced with a long finish. Aged for 10 months in French oak, 30% new. It pairs beautifully with grilled salmon, roast pork, grilled chicken and pastas.