In Search of a Pinot Noir

I spent the weekend in wine country. In general I have a decent idea of the types of wines I like and don't like. Lately, though, I've been interested in pinot noir. Not that I've been drinking it - more that I realized I don't think I've ever tried it. When I was in California recently, I tried one or two while visiting Napa but didn't really find anything I liked. I thought this weekend would be another opportunity to try a few more.

Now, I don't really know where this strong desire to try pinot noir came from. I learned in Napa that sales of Pinot Noir are skyrocketing since the movie Sideways came out, so really, that misguided trendiness should be enough to completely turn me off. And yet, all weekend I was driven by this mission. I think I finally decided it's a completely manufactured desire on my part. My favourite white at the moment is Pinot Grigio and I've somehow decided to draw a parallel that dictates that, since both are called Pinot, I must love the Noir just the same.

Not the case. Winery after winery and not a favourable reaction to be found. Tasting after tasting of me trying to tell myself that I want to like it and I will like it and tasting after tasting of being disappointed and thinking "I dislike this even more than Merlot" I finally did find one that I could tolerate but it is, of course, outside a price range I would be operating in (or, at least, if I was paying that much, I certainly wouldn't be buying a pinot noir).

I've come to the realization that there is a difference between being open-minded and giving something a fair shot, and, trying to force something that isn't meant to be. Fourteen pinot noirs later, I think I can be satisfied with my attempt. And yet, a part of me won't ever close that door. I will always be open to finding that special pinot noir.

I need a pinot
I'm holding out for a pinot till the wine is found
It's gotta be rich
And it's gotta be full
And it's gotta be fresh from the vine