Jean-René Germanier, Vetroz Grand Cru (Valais, Switzerland) Pinot Noir 2016

 If I’m off on the score of this wine, I’m off on the low side.  It is actually a light-bodied wine…which is entirely appropriate for Pinot, yet it is very expressive in aroma and flavor.  Scents and flavors of red cherries and plums are vivid without being too overt or grapey, and the light body is not overwhelmed with wood, which is almost imperceptible.  The tannins are very fine, and the fact is that all of the flavor and structural elements are all perfectly proportioned, and the wine just sings in perfect harmony.  This will seem light to those steeped in California Pinot, but it will seem like a genuine threat to winemakers in Burgundy.  No kidding…this is completely convincing stuff.