Finger Lakes "Davis Vineyard - Upper Block" 2012, Damiani

First tasted at the domaine in June this year I was thrilled to find some pinot produced in the US which approximated the structure, texture and flavour profile of Burgundy. Of the Finger Lakes wineries I visited Damiani produced the best wines although the range of grape varieties is too broad. This 2012 Finger Lakes pinot has a thick brick red colour. Shows both cool climate lightness (not quite like Alsace) and maturity. The nose is centred on raspberry, fresh cherry, red stone fruit, cloves, sweet aniseed. Lovely texture on the palate of small red berries. Fresh without being overly tangy. Red plums, decent evolved tannins on the finish. Could do with a touch more fruit substance but this intriguing slender style is balanced and perfectly proportioned. Scores 27/30 for a Finger Lakes pinot noir. And this is better than the much higher priced pinot matured in new oak from the Damiani winery. If you excuse the language, this would be a real bastard in a blind tasting. Everyone would go with a Burgundy. For the record, it is a much better wine than any pinot from California. Much appreciated the very insightful tasting with Michael Cimino - a certified sommelier with the Sommelier Society of America.