Several months ago we did a series on inexpensive Pinot Noir and since then I’ve gotten a number of recommendations for some “I need to try.”  I decided to revisit the theme with a few of those recommendations.  I’m not going to do another full series right now, just a handful over the next few posts.

The first one is a Burgundy, obviously from France.  This one comes from Maison L Tramier & Fils, a family run winery started by Louis Tramier in 1842.  They produce several different labels and started the Roncier label in the 1960′s.  If you go looking for Roncier, you probably won’t find it in the Pinot Noir section, but may find it in the French section.  And although you won’t see the words “Pinot Noir” anywhere on the label, that’s what this is.

The other thing you won’t see on the label is a year.  This is a non-vintage wine.  They claim that the wine is consistent from one year to the next, but I’ve stated before that I prefer to have vintages disclosed.  Of course this is labeled as a “Vin de Table,” the lowest designation for a French wine, so the argument could be made that vintages are irrelevant as you should only expect an average, drinkable wine—which is exactly what I found with this one.

Despite getting a glowing recommendation from a friend for this wine, I found it to be average.  It was decent, but not extraordinary.  The aromas were nice, but it seemed to fall off on the palate.

A beautiful, earthy bouquet with lots of heat introduces you to the wine. Much more heat than I would expect from a wine with a 12.5% alcohol level.  Oak, raspberry, cherry, straw and soy sauce aromas waft with superb intensity.  The palate is nice and well balanced, but is a little disappointing compared to the nose.  There is some fruit with cherries and berries.  On my first taste I sensed a slight metallic thing going on, but it didn’t return on subsequent tastings.  There’s a touch of black pepper on the finish.  It’s a drinkable Pinot Noir, not outstanding but decent and good for the price.

Wine: Roncier
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: N/A
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 85
Price: $10.99

Find Roncier with Snooth