Gruet, New Mexico (United States) Pinot Noir 2009

 Laurent Gruet says this is the best Pinot Noir he’s made since 1999.  It’s a good one at any price, and for a Jackson it’s a steal.  This lively wine has notes of raspberry and violet up top with a mushroomy, earthy low note that strengthens on the finish.  You can smell hints of the French oak, but you don’t taste it.  If this really is Gruet’s first hit in a decade, the heartbreak grape shows again why people go mad trying to make wines like this.