La Cantina di Cuneaz Nadir, Pinot Noir “Grandgosier”

Over the last few years, I've fallen in love with a short but growing list of gorgeous, hand-crafted Italian Pinot Noirs. It's not a coincidence that my favorite examples tend to originate from the far northwest region of Valle d’Aosta.Pinot Noir excels in cooler climates, and the Valle d’Aosta fits that bill perfectly, with vineyards scaling the slopes of the iconic peaks of the western Alps—Mont Blanc, The Matterhorn, Gran Paradiso, and Monte Rosa. Still, today’s 2016 “Grandgosier,” from one of my favorite micro-producers, is more than just a great “Italian” or “Alpine” Pinot Noir. This is a remarkably serious, one-of-a-kind wine. Its seductive aromatics and complex layers recall Chambolle-Musigny that has been further invigorated by Aosta's rushing glacial streams and cool alpine breezes. SommSelect has featured previous vintages of of this rare beauty, but there's something extra special about this 2016. Nadir Cuneaz’ Pinot is always a personal favorite, but in 2016 the fruit is so