J. & F. Lurton, Vin de Pays d’Oc (Languedoc, France) Pinot Noir “Les Salices” 2005

($10, ExCellars): The Languedoc region in the south of France is better known for bold ripe wines than for producing a delicate, fragrant Pinot Noir, such as this one. Not as intense–nor as jammy–as many Pinot Noirs from California, Lurton’s has lovely ripe red fruit flavors, but retains an elegance rarely found at this price level. This is an exceptional value, especially for Pinot Noir, a notoriously expensive wine! 87 Michael Apstein Jan 30, 2007