Wine: Beaux Frères 2005 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Alcohol Content: 14.2%
Price: $50

Robert Parker is a co-owner with his brother-in-law, Michael Etzel, in this 88-acre Yamhill, Oregon winery with a focus on world class Pinot Noir that exhibits “very ripe, healthy and intense fruit through low yields, non-irrigated vineyards and allowing fermentation to capture the true reflection of the Beaux Frères Vineyard.” The transformed vineyard was originally a pig farm and Risqué finds that in the nose it still harkens back to its origins—just a bit of “barnyard.”

The liquid is ruby to the rim with a snout initially punctuated with terroir and layered with rich pine forest, Pinot Noir fruit and ripe cherry and sweet capsicum. In the mouth, this Willamette Valley Pinot fizzes with the slightest hint of effervescence and squeals with fruit through the mid-palate, unfolding with ripe, tangy cherry, raspberry and subtle anise with a soft and silky tannic finish.

Treasuring his pearls, Risqué recommends decanting this rare jewel for 30 minutes to an hour to eliminate any Brettanomyces, which reveals the lustrous precious jewel this wine becomes.

So call Risqué a filthy pig, but this is delicious Pinot Noir that will have you clutching your pearls!

Wine: Chapoutier 2006 Belleruche, Côtes Du Rhône, France

A happy landing (also known as sexual position) is something most everyone has thought about when flying. Recently, Risqué undoubtedly enjoyed such a happy descent into the wonderful city of New York where he was catered to by two cute, flirtatious flight attendants, Ryan and Steve, who kept Risqué’s wine glass continually full of Chapoutier 2006 Belleruche.

The Belleruche is a nice blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah showing a beautiful red garnet color. The prominent nose releases essences of tart Montmorency cherry, fresh raspberry, root beer and lingering hints of licorice.  The gratifying taste summons overwhelming black pepper (not hot), tight red fruit, mocha and ends with pleasing balanced tannins.

Risqué enjoyed his vin dans le ciel with a delicious fillet au poivre.

With a splendid continuous glass of vin, a satisfied appetite, two handsome wingmen at his beck and call and sporting a comfortable, upgraded position, Risqué thoroughly enjoyed his…Happy Landing.

Wine: Brassfield Family Winery 2006 Rosé of Pinot Noir, High Serenity Ranch, CA
Alcohol Content: 14.1%
Price: $20
Plus: Natural cork closure


When Risqué first tasted Brassfield’s 2006 Rosé of Pinot Noir, he could not help but be reminded of one of his favorite childhood vices where he fervently satisfied his LUSH-like cravings by sucking on watermelon Jolly Ranchers.

The color is reminiscent of summer-ripe watermelon with delightful perfumed aromas of wild strawberry, red delicious apple, Bartlett pear and, of course, candied watermelon. Captivating in the mouth are flavors of watermelon, bright raspberry, subtle cherry and a hint of earthiness all combined with a resonating, enjoyable dry acidity and minerality that finishes clean.

Kevin Robinson, Brassfield’s winemaker, definitely achieves his goal of producing a wine that “offers intense, ripe fruit characteristics…balanced with perfect acid structure, full-bodied mouth feel and silky tannins.” Risqué enjoyed this libation paired with olives, Marcona almonds, gourmet cheeses and artisanal breads…sublime!

Risqué no longer sucks on watermelon Jolly Ranchers, although he might admit to a few ranchers here and there. Regardless, Risqué thinks this 2006 Rosé of Pinot Noir is definitely one Jolly Rancher you will definitely want to add to your LUSH-like vices.