Double blind. Fairly dark color with notes of asphalt, black fruit, saddle leather, pepper, red fruit and something along the lines of burnt rubber- complex, with plenty going on to keep one's attention. Medium-bodied with flavors of black fruit, licorice and dried herbs with a nice bit of acidity as well. With air it develops a tobacco aroma along with a slightly green/herbaceous quality as well. Balanced; very nice. we were thinking syrah/blend here so a bit of a surprise when the bag came off. Regardless, a very nice wine. (G&R)
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I was curious how advanced this wine would be given the screw cap, and it was definitely aged and drinking very well! Plenty of that Oregon earthiness but the *color* was this gorgeous, transparent ruby that you couldn’t take your eyes off of, lots of red fruit and mineral and herbs, still full of live. Absolutely no sediment either. Hold another 5-10 years if you want or drink tomorrow.
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My second bottle this month with consistent experience. I had these stuck away in my long term storage due to the reported "greatness" of 2008, but I think this has gone the way of many 2008's which actually did wind up drinking better in their youth. Back then, this wine had acid to balance its fruit volume and low alcohol. Unfortunately, with age, the acid has entirely dissipated and you're left with a little gobby of a wine, even though it's not high octane. The aromas are probably the best part still, showing lots of spicy, rich fruit and soil tones. Graphite, pumice, and raspberries all coiled up. Very nice! The palate enters incredibly soft and rather full for a Pinot... just hints of light acidity, and the fruit is definitely tending towards the softer, over ripe notion. The finish is much the same, and really not very expressive at all. Quite flat, in fact. Flat in its lack of acidity and intensity, as well as its rather bland, over ripe red fruits. Reading my note from 2012, I'm amused to note that I said it was too new world on the nose, but that departed on the palate. Now it's the complete opposite. The nose is more old world, and the rest is more over mature new world. Twelve years old is not old for a Pinot Noir... but I guess in 2008, in Oregon, it is. It's a shame I let most of my 2008's sit this long. Time to start cracking into them in earnest, I think.
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Kudos to the producer for a balanced, moderate alcohol wine from a very ripe vintage. There was some real balance in the wine, and with over 10 years in cellar, it is still holding well. Low - moderate acid, cherry fruit, hints of VA coming in. I am not enamored with this wine - I'll take a nice village Chorey Les Beaune in its place any day for a comparable price - it is a nice showing of what Oregon can do at the low-mid price point.
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Dark berry and spice with a little wood sweetness on the pronounced nose. Medium-full body. Dark cherries, cola, sweet spices on the palate. Low tannin, medium-low acid. Dusty dark cherry finish. Simple, rich, but yummy. Drink now.
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Going back to my original score from 2012, this wine reminds me more of a RRV Pinot than an OR Pinot. It was dark and had more medium fruit flavors. I love it and it was still going strong. Wish I had more as this seems like it can go for another 5-8 years.
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Had two bottles with our Easter ham. Decanted to allow a little air. Nice color. Cherry and flowers on the nose. Nice acidity. Very nice wine for this meal.
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Something not quite right. Had the weight and colour I was looking for, but was muted on the nose and the palate was flat but with a slight fizz. Will use for cooking.
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Black cherries, dried flowers, and cedar on the nose. Cherry, spice, cola; powerful. Fairly full bodied, slightly chewy tannin, medium acid. Fruit seems to be fading, leaving the palate somewhat austere after the initial attack. Strange light spritziness that doesn't seem to blow off even with several hours of air. Drink up.
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Clear and deep ruby color. Cherry, floral and smoke aromas. Dark cherry, plum and spice flavors with nice acidity and medium body. Nice tart cherry finish.
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I think this may have had a slight flaw. Dead on first opening, it never came to life... Had a slightly bitter, harsh edge which I was not expecting...
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Fairly consistent experience. Some pretty darker fruit and wood spice in the nose that needs some air, but still a bit harsh, bitter on the palate as the fruit has receded. This is not a wine that wanted eight years of age.
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Followed over two days. A mix of Maresh, Ribbon Ridge, & Momtazi. A wine predicated on power & depth. A good balance of fruit & acid, tannins really aren't apparent until the second day. The initial layer of red fruit was on the concentrated side & it was a bit difficult to pick up other details & nuance.
This is definitely a new world style Pinot made from excellent fruit sources & crafted in a classy polished manner. I'm a fan of the tannic framework on 2008 Oregon wine & would like to have found more of that here. It was a great match to a roast chicken & dal. The earthy & spicy quality of the dal brought some of that character forward in the wine and was when I enjoyed this most.
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PnP the first night. This had dark cherry and good acidity, but not much else. The last glass the second night had much more elegance, with subtle fruit and some spice and earth. Decanting would seem worth trying next time.
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Very primary to me on the aromas and palate. Finish was a bit disjointed but the parts are here. Fruit was delicious. Structure is there just has a onesy on.
When will these 08s be ready?
My advice? Let this one hide for another 3-5.
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seemed off tonight. Nose n palate were not right. Seemed very angular and just not right. Retried on night 2, still off putting. No one thing, but not enjoyable. We could not drink it.
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Really wonderful right now. PnP, opened up beautifully over 3-4 hours. 1 hr decant wouldn't hurt. My typical OR notes of forest floor, leather, muted but present berry fruit, but also some secondary notes of rose/florals. Med/long finish, balanced acidity.
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Wafting dried red fruits on the nose. A bit hot. Medium to light weight and dry. Nice sour cherry with a touch of cola on the palate. Living in Oregon, I keep trying to enjoy the Willamette Pinot Noir's. I'm always a little disappointed. Thins out quick on the swallow and disappears fast. Better on the second and third days. It is feminine and tastes pretty decent with some steak and mushrooms. I'm just a bit underwhelmed at this price point.
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Cherry. Dried bark. Pomelo. Earthy, like fall and beets. Medium body. Delicate aroma. Easy to drink - mellowed with age. Must be at its prime. Lacking the something more I'd hope for at this price point.
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Very pure deep purple with an inky core. Spicy nose showing cherries, red currents, basmati rice. Flavorful, with tart fruit, brioche flavors supported by moderate acidity, soft tannins. Quite a long finish. A really successful wine.
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- Crimsom color and aromas of blackberry and mushroom and has flavours of cherry and vanilla with a light/medium body. Linear texture with a medium finish.
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Drank as a pop'n'pour, happened to be the first available pinot. Medium bodied, fragrant cherry, bright red cherry fruit, fine dry tannins, nice bitter edge on the finish.
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Quick TN: Popped and poured. Dark red in the glass. Nose of ripe cherries. On the palate - first impression was "whoaa, very cherry" followed by red raspberries and trailing acidity. Some earthiness detected. Didn't change much over a few hours. It will be interesting to see where this wine goes.
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What a delightful, attractive, tasty wine! I've been holding off on my 2008's until tonight, popped this one (unscrewed is the more accurate term) and was rewarded with a satisfying bottle with clear cherry fruit flavors with good depth, good acidity, and a harmonious interplay of its elements. Went very well with barbecued salmon, roasted root vegetables, and salad, and was wonderful to sip on its own. Delightful Oregonian wine.
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Blind tasting from my cellar II: Dark purple-red. Big fruit nose. Solid fruit with a nice spine, good acids and a smooth finish. More red fruits than black, but good ripeness.
Guess : Oregon Pinot, 2009.
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very good wine. pure, clean straight-lined. has a nice back bone. I wish I would have decantered it for a few hours before drinking because the last glass opened up very nicely.
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Showing much better than the bottle I opened last year. Cherry and pine on the nose. Dark red color, clear. Complex and multi-dimentional for a domestic pinot. Wish I had more.
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Day 1: PnP - Consistent notes as last bottle. Nice elegant strawberries, cherries, herbs, orange peel on the nose. Very fruity with rich sweet red notes on palate with soft and smooth tannins. A bit unbalanced as the acid did not keep up with the sugar, leaving that tell-tale "candied" flavor I noted in last bottle. Not quite so evident this time around, but this is the first pour, hasn't opened up yet. Still, I like this wine. the missing acid isn't enough to cause flabbiness, but there is not enough to feel this wine has any tension in it.
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Clear with medium deep garnet color, Nose dominated by floral, spice and oak. Medium to high acid levels with medium body. Palate is in line with nose with dark cherries, currant, plum, and some sage hebaceousness... Nice pleasant round silky finish.. This wine could use some more time in the bottle 2-4 years to improve but could be drunk now with some decanting
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Stelvin or screwcap closure. 13.1 % alcohol by volume. Grapes include blocks from Maresh, Ribbon Ridge, and Momtazi Vineyards. Dark purple-red color; nearly opaque. My reaction to yellow pine pollen made it difficult to assess aromas. When it does penetrate the congested nose, a cherry perfume enters the nostrils. The flavors suggest both cherries and plumskins. Am I stretching to find a subtle hint of pine needles or is that really present? Not sure. Smooth, elegant presentation. On the tart spectrum but not off-putting. Midweight but with a lingering, pleasant finish. One of the better Pinots of recent months for me. Refreshing to see the abv around 13% instead of over 14%. This wine is a winner. The first evening I had this with leftover chicken, artichoke and seedless grape salad with poppyseed dressing. The second evening I paired it with breaded veal scallopini.
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Pale red; nice bouquet of red fruit; sour cherries on the palate, relatively acidic; body was unbalanced, thin, weak and watery; hints of graphite & leather on the brief finish. This will not be present in my cellar again.
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As others have noted, there's a candied note to the fruit that is pretty prominent. There's some acidity, but I think not enough to balance the fruit, so it comes off a bit flat. I liked the wine, but it definitely under delivers at the price I paid ($33).
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Pop and Pour. Earthy red raspberry and cherry notes on the nose with a slight hint of cedar. Red fruit on the attack that turns to slight candied sweet and rich middle weight flavors. Finish is medium, with a bit of minerality on the end. Good wine, but just a slight off balance in mid ... Not enough acid 'crisp' to match the candied fruit sweetness. Just barely off mind you, this was still a very good bottle of wine. Really enjoyed it.
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Cranberry/strawberry/camphor nose, red berry fruit and a bit of mouthwatering acidity on the palate. Tasty, but nothing special given the price - which is my impression of most Willamette Valley pinot noir.
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Not sure what happened to this wine given my last tasting note but tonight it was overwhelmingly strawberry Jolly Rancher. Not a terrible experience but not what I look for in my Pinots.
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Opened and poured - wine was very tight! Decanted and came back to it an hour and a half later. Nicely integrated wine with a solid finish. Fruit forward.
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(after a decant) this was as close to eating a sour cherry as I have tasted in a wine. not overly complex. Nothing off but nothing to entice for seeking this out in the future.
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Very similar to the first bottle that I opened in late 2011, but perhaps a little longer and more polished. This is continuing to improve, so I'd hold off opening another until perhaps 2014.
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Opened about an hour. Deep ruby fading to a colorless rim. Reticent nose of black cherries, earth, tea and anise. Palate is bright with acid and showcases the cherries and spice. Finish is lingering and holds true to the palate. Very nice wine...held up beautifully to smoked venison backstrap.
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Great acid and a core of dark berry. A little earthiness to it but not a whole lot. Not a great value, IMHO. Perhaps leave these alone to see what they can do.
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Had only a sip, but initial impressions were not positive. Nose was pronounced, unbalanced spiciness, and slightly off-putting. Evident structure, but to be fair, this was a pop&pour, and likely needs air and/or time to show.
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Nose of wet earth and subtle dark jammy berries. First taste sensation is stiff tannin. Mid palette is aromatic with dry peppery and hot finish. This wine may need to age to find balance as the parts still need to come together.
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Strawberry with a hint of vanilla and a bit off a off note. Comes off a bit of thin and and the acidity is a bit off. Not sure this bottle is in top shape since doesn't seem to match others impressions.
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A little too sweet and fruity for me but I tend toward a really elegant and austere burgundian style. The rest of the group thought it was enjoyable but did not exceed expectations.
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Maybe my consistently favorite producer. Everything from Scott Paul is just so smooth and well put together. Doesn't miss a beat. Think graceful Strawberry with some spice and rhubarb.
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AVTG does '08 Oregon Pinot Noir, blind (Alex and Molly's House): Tasted blind, from screwcap. Nose was closed at first, eventually opened up to reveal wild berry, clove, and a hint of vanilla. Medium bodied and tight, leads with clean, tart cherry fruit, strawberry, and spice, finishes with fine tannin and mineral. This really gained depth and sweetness over the course of the night. A lot of stuffing for 13% ABV. Needs air. My #1, group #3 WOTN.
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Gorgeous nose of layered red fruits. Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. Ripe, sweet cherry fruit on the attack which transitions to tart cherries, cherry pit and a long, minerally, slightly tannic finish. This seems to have opened up and fleshed out in just the last four months.
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Giving this a high score for its potential, not where it was a when I drank it a few months ago and forgot to put in a TN. It was very closed for the first couple of hours and then I remember a lot of earth and complexity coming through. It was really lovely when I was finishing the last glass of the bottle. It definitely came off as quite burgundian at the time. Looking forward to enjoying these in a few years.
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The 2009 Domaine Buisson-Charles Meursaults at Scott Paul (Carlton, OR): Considering the notes here, this is much better than expected, and I'm glad I have some bottles packed away. The aromas are very large, rich, and spicy. Some tart red fruits, but tons of briar, rich, deep dark strawberries. I appreciate all of the aromas, but something about it does smell too new world to me. Luckily, I lose this descent on the palate and finish. I get this ham covered in strawberries on the palate which is absolutely delicious. Very soft texture while holding strong on the structural balance. Nice tart fruits throughout, and there's some minerality that's awesome and balances the richness and graceful opulence. Lots of spice and acid on the finish, which is tart and grippy. Very nice, deep, impressive flavors. Definitely one to watch for evolution.
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Opened and served right away. Nose of bright red fruits with hints of poopy funk. A very nice nose and one that oozes pinot noir typicity. Flavours of stewed cherries with medium acidity, low to medium tannins and good length. This light bodied pinot has an excellent nose but the palate is young and definitely needs 3-5 years to further develop. Very good. 89+
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Floral aromatic start followed by red cherry and raspberry on nose with hints of Asian spice. Mostly red cherry flavors on palate with spice slightly less prominent than on the nose. Good acidity provides some lift and energy from middle to finish, with moderate length.
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Nose is reticent, some baking spice and black cherry. Light to medium bodied with medium+ acidity. Palate is bursting with really nice, fresh, black cherry fruit. Some baking spice and fine-grained tannins too. This seems likely to age well but I will have trouble keeping my hands off my remaining bottles.
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A solid Pinot with fresh fruit flavors, bright color, as well as bright acidity and solid tannins. The wine is a bit young and this point, and needs a fair amount of air to really strut its stuff. Never really got there on the first night, and was better on day 2, telling me that it has the stuffing to age well, and will likely be a better wine in a year or more from now. Very nice, if a bit rough around the edges right at the moment. 90+.
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Young, impressive pinot which requires some time to involve. Strikes me as more old world, with reasonable balance and nuance. Ruby color, expressive nose, solid finish. Will check back in on this one in a year or so.
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tremendous OR pinot of grace and value. Doesn't make a particular statement in one way or another, rather just a great IGT of OR capturing the land, finesse and balance that makes these such lovely wines and at a killer price.
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Probably just its youth, but its hard to put a finger on this one. Straddles the line between new and old world in style (e.g., fruity, but with pretty noticeable tannins), and comes across a bit out of balance. Liked it better at times through the evening than others, and overall was satisfied, but not blown away. Wait at least a year on the next one.........
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Garagiste Test Drive - Spring 2011; 4/10/2011-4/11/2011 (Home): Pop/pour - preliminary notes - this rocks!! Uncommonly precise, but not in the same austere way as a young burg. An interesting green floral spice on the nose. On the palate, quite tight but shows obvious balance. Will try to check in later. In the meantime, I probably wouldn't look to touch the bulk of these until 2013 and beyond. Score based on potential, though ultimately when at peak, I think it could well exceed 92 points.
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3/22/2024 - AllRed wrote: 91 Points
Double blind. Fairly dark color with notes of asphalt, black fruit, saddle leather, pepper, red fruit and something along the lines of burnt rubber- complex, with plenty going on to keep one's attention. Medium-bodied with flavors of black fruit, licorice and dried herbs with a nice bit of acidity as well. With air it develops a tobacco aroma along with a slightly green/herbaceous quality as well. Balanced; very nice. we were thinking syrah/blend here so a bit of a surprise when the bag came off. Regardless, a very nice wine. (G&R)
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12/15/2023 - Somm Troy S Likes this wine: 91 Points
I was curious how advanced this wine would be given the screw cap, and it was definitely aged and drinking very well! Plenty of that Oregon earthiness but the *color* was this gorgeous, transparent ruby that you couldn’t take your eyes off of, lots of red fruit and mineral and herbs, still full of live. Absolutely no sediment either. Hold another 5-10 years if you want or drink tomorrow.
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12/26/2021 - DougLee wrote: 90 Points
Served with salmon at Christmas dinner. Nicely aged with semi-tart but integrated berry flavors.
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7/28/2020 - David Paris (dbp) wrote: 87 Points
My second bottle this month with consistent experience. I had these stuck away in my long term storage due to the reported "greatness" of 2008, but I think this has gone the way of many 2008's which actually did wind up drinking better in their youth. Back then, this wine had acid to balance its fruit volume and low alcohol. Unfortunately, with age, the acid has entirely dissipated and you're left with a little gobby of a wine, even though it's not high octane. The aromas are probably the best part still, showing lots of spicy, rich fruit and soil tones. Graphite, pumice, and raspberries all coiled up. Very nice! The palate enters incredibly soft and rather full for a Pinot... just hints of light acidity, and the fruit is definitely tending towards the softer, over ripe notion. The finish is much the same, and really not very expressive at all. Quite flat, in fact. Flat in its lack of acidity and intensity, as well as its rather bland, over ripe red fruits. Reading my note from 2012, I'm amused to note that I said it was too new world on the nose, but that departed on the palate. Now it's the complete opposite. The nose is more old world, and the rest is more over mature new world. Twelve years old is not old for a Pinot Noir... but I guess in 2008, in Oregon, it is. It's a shame I let most of my 2008's sit this long. Time to start cracking into them in earnest, I think.
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6/17/2019 - lake.vino wrote: 87 Points
Kudos to the producer for a balanced, moderate alcohol wine from a very ripe vintage. There was some real balance in the wine, and with over 10 years in cellar, it is still holding well. Low - moderate acid, cherry fruit, hints of VA coming in. I am not enamored with this wine - I'll take a nice village Chorey Les Beaune in its place any day for a comparable price - it is a nice showing of what Oregon can do at the low-mid price point.
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12/11/2018 - blaiseiii wrote:
Very thin and lacked flavor when first opened. Tried again on day 2, much better, i.e. more body & flavor. Go figure!
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7/14/2018 - Snoski62 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Holding up well. Still nice full red fruits and some mild spice notes. Great with pre-dinner cheese/hummus appetizers. Nice mouth feel and finish.
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12/23/2017 - ctbob Likes this wine:
Still no rush; this bottle seemed thicker and richer than previous ones
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8/24/2017 - indiscriminate palate wrote: 89 Points
Dark berry and spice with a little wood sweetness on the pronounced nose. Medium-full body. Dark cherries, cola, sweet spices on the palate. Low tannin, medium-low acid. Dusty dark cherry finish. Simple, rich, but yummy. Drink now.
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8/19/2017 - jmcmchi wrote:
Younger in appearance and taste than expected for a 2008 - screw-cap obviously working well
More cherry than barnyard, medium acidity, nicely balanced. Not one of the greats, but perfectly solid PN
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4/19/2017 - hdchappy Likes this wine: 94 Points
Going back to my original score from 2012, this wine reminds me more of a RRV Pinot than an OR Pinot. It was dark and had more medium fruit flavors. I love it and it was still going strong. Wish I had more as this seems like it can go for another 5-8 years.
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4/16/2017 - PolarBear22 wrote: 89 Points
Had two bottles with our Easter ham. Decanted to allow a little air. Nice color. Cherry and flowers on the nose. Nice acidity. Very nice wine for this meal.
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4/11/2017 - thebonnydooner wrote: flawed
Something not quite right. Had the weight and colour I was looking for, but was muted on the nose and the palate was flat but with a slight fizz. Will use for cooking.
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3/28/2017 - indiscriminate palate wrote:
Black cherries, dried flowers, and cedar on the nose. Cherry, spice, cola; powerful. Fairly full bodied, slightly chewy tannin, medium acid. Fruit seems to be fading, leaving the palate somewhat austere after the initial attack. Strange light spritziness that doesn't seem to blow off even with several hours of air. Drink up.
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2/18/2017 - davidspieker wrote: 89 Points
Clear and deep ruby color. Cherry, floral and smoke aromas. Dark cherry, plum and spice flavors with nice acidity and medium body. Nice tart cherry finish.
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2/6/2017 - kdubler wrote:
I think this may have had a slight flaw. Dead on first opening, it never came to life... Had a slightly bitter, harsh edge which I was not expecting...
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12/19/2016 - j.a.price.trucking Likes this wine: 87 Points
Standard Oregon Pinot. Perfectly fine, just not as interesting as hoped.
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11/24/2016 - indiscriminate palate wrote:
Fairly consistent experience. Some pretty darker fruit and wood spice in the nose that needs some air, but still a bit harsh, bitter on the palate as the fruit has receded. This is not a wine that wanted eight years of age.
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11/15/2016 - indiscriminate palate wrote:
A bit harsh initially, but opened with air and revealed burly dark-fruited power, cherry, and spice. Not bad.
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11/12/2016 - jshearer Likes this wine:
Spice, earth, and dark cherries on the nose. Good energy in the mouth. Well balanced.
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1/24/2016 - skifree wrote: 87 Points
This never quite got there for me. Lots of sweet cherry and spice, but I agree that is seemed a bit disjointed.
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9/11/2015 - Anthony Lombardi Likes this wine: 90 Points
Followed over two days. A mix of Maresh, Ribbon Ridge, & Momtazi. A wine predicated on power & depth. A good balance of fruit & acid, tannins really aren't apparent until the second day. The initial layer of red fruit was on the concentrated side & it was a bit difficult to pick up other details & nuance.
This is definitely a new world style Pinot made from excellent fruit sources & crafted in a classy polished manner. I'm a fan of the tannic framework on 2008 Oregon wine & would like to have found more of that here. It was a great match to a roast chicken & dal. The earthy & spicy quality of the dal brought some of that character forward in the wine and was when I enjoyed this most.
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8/14/2015 - indiscriminate palate wrote:
Cherries, sweet red fruit, a bit of spice. Pretty, but simple nose. A bit harsh and unbalanced.
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8/10/2015 - skifree wrote: 88 Points
PnP the first night. This had dark cherry and good acidity, but not much else. The last glass the second night had much more elegance, with subtle fruit and some spice and earth. Decanting would seem worth trying next time.
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6/24/2015 - ctbob wrote:
This is coming along; opened in the glass pretty quickly and became a delight; best bottle yet, and based on this, no immediate rush
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6/23/2015 - arthrovine wrote:
Popnd poured. Followed over 6 hours
Very primary to me on the aromas and palate. Finish was a bit disjointed but the parts are here. Fruit was delicious. Structure is there just has a onesy on.
When will these 08s be ready?
My advice? Let this one hide for another 3-5.
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4/3/2015 - Whine-oh wrote: flawed
seemed off tonight. Nose n palate were not right. Seemed very angular and just not right. Retried on night 2, still off putting. No one thing, but not enjoyable. We could not drink it.
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3/5/2015 - kakpoo wrote: 93 Points
Wine was absolutely balanced and delicious. couldn't ask for anything more at this price point.
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3/2/2015 - 10centpower wrote: 93 Points
Really wonderful right now. PnP, opened up beautifully over 3-4 hours. 1 hr decant wouldn't hurt. My typical OR notes of forest floor, leather, muted but present berry fruit, but also some secondary notes of rose/florals. Med/long finish, balanced acidity.
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2/21/2015 - PinotAge-Weetree wrote: 83 Points
Wafting dried red fruits on the nose. A bit hot. Medium to light weight and dry. Nice sour cherry with a touch of cola on the palate. Living in Oregon, I keep trying to enjoy the Willamette Pinot Noir's. I'm always a little disappointed. Thins out quick on the swallow and disappears fast. Better on the second and third days. It is feminine and tastes pretty decent with some steak and mushrooms. I'm just a bit underwhelmed at this price point.
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2/14/2015 - j.a.price.trucking wrote: 89 Points
Cherry. Dried bark. Pomelo. Earthy, like fall and beets. Medium body. Delicate aroma. Easy to drink - mellowed with age. Must be at its prime. Lacking the something more I'd hope for at this price point.
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11/28/2014 - ctbob Likes this wine:
Wonderful nose on opening, but took an hour in the glass to open up; would decant next time; seems to have plenty of life left.
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8/18/2014 - KPB wrote: 90 Points
Very pure deep purple with an inky core. Spicy nose showing cherries, red currents, basmati rice. Flavorful, with tart fruit, brioche flavors supported by moderate acidity, soft tannins. Quite a long finish. A really successful wine.
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7/18/2014 - Peligroso y Coneja wrote: 90 Points
- Crimsom color and aromas of blackberry and mushroom and has flavours of cherry and vanilla with a light/medium body. Linear texture with a medium finish.
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6/16/2014 - macker100 wrote: 89 Points
Sweet cherries, raspberries on nose. Candied strawberry fruit profile, with nice minerals. Not much complexity, but a crowd pleaser.
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6/6/2014 - thebonnydooner wrote: 90 Points
Drank as a pop'n'pour, happened to be the first available pinot. Medium bodied, fragrant cherry, bright red cherry fruit, fine dry tannins, nice bitter edge on the finish.
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2/20/2014 - JFish wrote:
Quick TN: Popped and poured. Dark red in the glass. Nose of ripe cherries. On the palate - first impression was "whoaa, very cherry" followed by red raspberries and trailing acidity. Some earthiness detected. Didn't change much over a few hours. It will be interesting to see where this wine goes.
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1/22/2014 - Surfdoc wrote: 89 Points
Bright cherry and raspberry with a soft earthiness. Light-medium body with moderate acidity.
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1/10/2014 - JimVan Likes this wine: 92 Points
What a delightful, attractive, tasty wine! I've been holding off on my 2008's until tonight, popped this one (unscrewed is the more accurate term) and was rewarded with a satisfying bottle with clear cherry fruit flavors with good depth, good acidity, and a harmonious interplay of its elements. Went very well with barbecued salmon, roasted root vegetables, and salad, and was wonderful to sip on its own. Delightful Oregonian wine.
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1/7/2014 - Brian Love wrote: 92 Points
Quite good medium bodied Pinot with nice acidic backbone. Very good value for money.
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12/31/2013 - JPH104 wrote:
Delicate and expressive. Strawberry and tart fruits dominate. Soft finish. Nice bottle
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12/24/2013 - jshearer wrote: 90 Points
No detailed notes. Cherry and dark raspberry, floral notes and something herbal. Strong but balanced structural core.
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12/22/2013 - AndrewSGHall wrote:
Blind tasting from my cellar II: Dark purple-red. Big fruit nose. Solid fruit with a nice spine, good acids and a smooth finish. More red fruits than black, but good ripeness.
Guess : Oregon Pinot, 2009.
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12/9/2013 - davidspieker wrote: 89 Points
Clear and deep ruby color. Cherry and floral aromas. Dark cherry, plum and spice flavors with nice acidity and medium body. Nice lengthy finish.
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11/29/2013 - Snoski62 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Thanksgiving dinner alongside a 2009 La Paulee. '08 was a bit more refined than the '09. Good Thanksgiving wine...
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9/28/2013 - scottkeyc Likes this wine: 90 Points
very good wine. pure, clean straight-lined. has a nice back bone. I wish I would have decantered it for a few hours before drinking because the last glass opened up very nicely.
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8/22/2013 - nicefish wrote: 90 Points
Showing much better than the bottle I opened last year. Cherry and pine on the nose. Dark red color, clear. Complex and multi-dimentional for a domestic pinot. Wish I had more.
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6/4/2013 - f22nickell Likes this wine: 90 Points
Day 1: PnP - Consistent notes as last bottle. Nice elegant strawberries, cherries, herbs, orange peel on the nose. Very fruity with rich sweet red notes on palate with soft and smooth tannins. A bit unbalanced as the acid did not keep up with the sugar, leaving that tell-tale "candied" flavor I noted in last bottle. Not quite so evident this time around, but this is the first pour, hasn't opened up yet. Still, I like this wine. the missing acid isn't enough to cause flabbiness, but there is not enough to feel this wine has any tension in it.
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4/28/2013 - profiler54 wrote: 90 Points
Clear with medium deep garnet color, Nose dominated by floral, spice and oak. Medium to high acid levels with medium body. Palate is in line with nose with dark cherries, currant, plum, and some sage hebaceousness... Nice pleasant round silky finish.. This wine could use some more time in the bottle 2-4 years to improve but could be drunk now with some decanting
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4/26/2013 - wondersofwine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Stelvin or screwcap closure. 13.1 % alcohol by volume. Grapes include blocks from Maresh, Ribbon Ridge, and Momtazi Vineyards. Dark purple-red color; nearly opaque. My reaction to yellow pine pollen made it difficult to assess aromas. When it does penetrate the congested nose, a cherry perfume enters the nostrils. The flavors suggest both cherries and plumskins. Am I stretching to find a subtle hint of pine needles or is that really present? Not sure. Smooth, elegant presentation. On the tart spectrum but not off-putting. Midweight but with a lingering, pleasant finish. One of the better Pinots of recent months for me. Refreshing to see the abv around 13% instead of over 14%. This wine is a winner.
The first evening I had this with leftover chicken, artichoke and seedless grape salad with poppyseed dressing. The second evening I paired it with breaded veal scallopini.
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4/7/2013 - primitivo Does not like this wine: 75 Points
Pale red; nice bouquet of red fruit; sour cherries on the palate, relatively acidic; body was unbalanced, thin, weak and watery; hints of graphite & leather on the brief finish. This will not be present in my cellar again.
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2/19/2013 - PIntag wrote: 86 Points
As others have noted, there's a candied note to the fruit that is pretty prominent. There's some acidity, but I think not enough to balance the fruit, so it comes off a bit flat. I liked the wine, but it definitely under delivers at the price I paid ($33).
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2/1/2013 - f22nickell Likes this wine: 90 Points
Pop and Pour. Earthy red raspberry and cherry notes on the nose with a slight hint of cedar. Red fruit on the attack that turns to slight candied sweet and rich middle weight flavors. Finish is medium, with a bit of minerality on the end. Good wine, but just a slight off balance in mid ... Not enough acid 'crisp' to match the candied fruit sweetness. Just barely off mind you, this was still a very good bottle of wine. Really enjoyed it.
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1/27/2013 - ravbik wrote: 89 Points
Cool, subtle red. Strawberry, cherries, and raspberry. Slight stone, grass and hay.crisp, clean finish
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1/11/2013 - RichardP wrote: 89 Points
Cranberry/strawberry/camphor nose, red berry fruit and a bit of mouthwatering acidity on the palate. Tasty, but nothing special given the price - which is my impression of most Willamette Valley pinot noir.
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1/10/2013 - tlinch wrote: 84 Points
Not sure what happened to this wine given my last tasting note but tonight it was overwhelmingly strawberry Jolly Rancher. Not a terrible experience but not what I look for in my Pinots.
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10/28/2012 - jbouchy wrote: 91 Points
Opened and poured - wine was very tight! Decanted and came back to it an hour and a half later. Nicely integrated wine with a solid finish. Fruit forward.
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9/24/2012 - xcblazer10 wrote: 90 Points
Wife loved it, I found it a little on the sweet side for my taste and the nose somewhat muted
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9/13/2012 - ledwards wrote: 88 Points
(after a decant) this was as close to eating a sour cherry as I have tasted in a wine. not overly complex. Nothing off but nothing to entice for seeking this out in the future.
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9/3/2012 - Burgundy Al wrote: 90 Points
Very similar to the first bottle that I opened in late 2011, but perhaps a little longer and more polished. This is continuing to improve, so I'd hold off opening another until perhaps 2014.
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7/31/2012 - Michael Davidson wrote:
On pop-and-pour this had an extremely offputting sweet palate. Jolly ranchers and cherry kool aid.
Let it sit on the counter for a night, and it mellowed out considerably. Definitely give this one some air.
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7/26/2012 - tlinch wrote: 90 Points
Opened about an hour. Deep ruby fading to a colorless rim. Reticent nose of black cherries, earth, tea and anise. Palate is bright with acid and showcases the cherries and spice. Finish is lingering and holds true to the palate. Very nice wine...held up beautifully to smoked venison backstrap.
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7/12/2012 - edgar wrote: 89 Points
i love this wine. strikes me as more Burgundian than some, absolutely enjoyable, with nice balanced fruit and acidity.
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7/10/2012 - Mr T wrote:
ok did not move me
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6/18/2012 - Ron Felthoven wrote: 88 Points
Great acid and a core of dark berry. A little earthiness to it but not a whole lot. Not a great value, IMHO. Perhaps leave these alone to see what they can do.
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6/18/2012 - shaferguy91 wrote: 90 Points
No decant
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6/15/2012 - indiscriminate palate wrote:
Had only a sip, but initial impressions were not positive. Nose was pronounced, unbalanced spiciness, and slightly off-putting. Evident structure, but to be fair, this was a pop&pour, and likely needs air and/or time to show.
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6/11/2012 - juneau bob wrote: 86 Points
Nose of wet earth and subtle dark jammy berries. First taste sensation is stiff tannin. Mid palette is aromatic with dry peppery and hot finish. This wine may need to age to find balance as the parts still need to come together.
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6/8/2012 - yeti575rider wrote: 86 Points
Strawberry with a hint of vanilla and a bit off a off note. Comes off a bit of thin and and the acidity is a bit off. Not sure this bottle is in top shape since doesn't seem to match others impressions.
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6/3/2012 - scoll wrote: 86 Points
A little too sweet and fruity for me but I tend toward a really elegant and austere burgundian style. The rest of the group thought it was enjoyable but did not exceed expectations.
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6/1/2012 - AndrewSGHall wrote:
Kapow! This has really hit stride and is a beautiful wine. Pure and striking fruit with a nice spine.
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5/13/2012 - benkearney wrote: 92 Points
Maybe my consistently favorite producer. Everything from Scott Paul is just so smooth and well put together. Doesn't miss a beat. Think graceful Strawberry with some spice and rhubarb.
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5/13/2012 - cookie7 wrote: 89 Points
Strawberry, licorice and rhubarb on the nose. Similar fruits on the palate. A good deal of minerality. A bit clippped on the finish.
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4/26/2012 - shaferguy91 wrote: 91 Points
Decanted 2 hours.
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4/20/2012 - hdchappy Likes this wine: 94 Points
My first 08 OR Pinot. I like this style of Pinot, it is fruit forward and balanced. Drank with two other people and all of us really liked it.
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4/19/2012 - cliffkol wrote: 88 Points
Willamette Valley - Tasted at winery: Nose was soft with aromas of mineral, fruit. Flavors were light, earthy and slight tannins.
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3/30/2012 - DanR wrote:
AVTG does '08 Oregon Pinot Noir, blind (Alex and Molly's House): Tasted blind, from screwcap. Nose was closed at first, eventually opened up to reveal wild berry, clove, and a hint of vanilla. Medium bodied and tight, leads with clean, tart cherry fruit, strawberry, and spice, finishes with fine tannin and mineral. This really gained depth and sweetness over the course of the night. A lot of stuffing for 13% ABV. Needs air. My #1, group #3 WOTN.
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3/22/2012 - zscheiner Likes this wine: 91 Points
Gorgeous nose of layered red fruits. Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. Ripe, sweet cherry fruit on the attack which transitions to tart cherries, cherry pit and a long, minerally, slightly tannic finish. This seems to have opened up and fleshed out in just the last four months.
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2/15/2012 - Ron Felthoven wrote: 90 Points
Giving this a high score for its potential, not where it was a when I drank it a few months ago and forgot to put in a TN. It was very closed for the first couple of hours and then I remember a lot of earth and complexity coming through. It was really lovely when I was finishing the last glass of the bottle. It definitely came off as quite burgundian at the time. Looking forward to enjoying these in a few years.
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2/4/2012 - David Paris (dbp) wrote: 91 Points
The 2009 Domaine Buisson-Charles Meursaults at Scott Paul (Carlton, OR): Considering the notes here, this is much better than expected, and I'm glad I have some bottles packed away. The aromas are very large, rich, and spicy. Some tart red fruits, but tons of briar, rich, deep dark strawberries. I appreciate all of the aromas, but something about it does smell too new world to me. Luckily, I lose this descent on the palate and finish. I get this ham covered in strawberries on the palate which is absolutely delicious. Very soft texture while holding strong on the structural balance. Nice tart fruits throughout, and there's some minerality that's awesome and balances the richness and graceful opulence. Lots of spice and acid on the finish, which is tart and grippy. Very nice, deep, impressive flavors. Definitely one to watch for evolution.
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12/30/2011 - godx wrote: 89 Points
Opened and served right away. Nose of bright red fruits with hints of poopy funk. A very nice nose and one that oozes pinot noir typicity. Flavours of stewed cherries with medium acidity, low to medium tannins and good length. This light bodied pinot has an excellent nose but the palate is young and definitely needs 3-5 years to further develop. Very good. 89+
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12/29/2011 - fbaseggio wrote: 92 Points
Very tasty, not exceptional
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12/11/2011 - Burgundy Al wrote: 89 Points
Floral aromatic start followed by red cherry and raspberry on nose with hints of Asian spice. Mostly red cherry flavors on palate with spice slightly less prominent than on the nose. Good acidity provides some lift and energy from middle to finish, with moderate length.
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11/28/2011 - zscheiner Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nose is reticent, some baking spice and black cherry. Light to medium bodied with medium+ acidity. Palate is bursting with really nice, fresh, black cherry fruit. Some baking spice and fine-grained tannins too. This seems likely to age well but I will have trouble keeping my hands off my remaining bottles.
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11/10/2011 - ewsds wrote: 90 Points
A solid Pinot with fresh fruit flavors, bright color, as well as bright acidity and solid tannins. The wine is a bit young and this point, and needs a fair amount of air to really strut its stuff. Never really got there on the first night, and was better on day 2, telling me that it has the stuffing to age well, and will likely be a better wine in a year or more from now. Very nice, if a bit rough around the edges right at the moment. 90+.
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9/15/2011 - Mr T wrote:
ugh for me...not a pinot guy in general and this one just did not do anything...
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8/17/2011 - Weston3220 Likes this wine:
Ripe Fruit, Not over the top big tho
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8/6/2011 - Kiltedtaz wrote: 76 Points
Rich red color.
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8/3/2011 - AccaDacca wrote: 92 Points
Young, impressive pinot which requires some time to involve. Strikes me as more old world, with reasonable balance and nuance. Ruby color, expressive nose, solid finish. Will check back in on this one in a year or so.
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5/29/2011 - muredskin14 wrote: 92 Points
tremendous OR pinot of grace and value. Doesn't make a particular statement in one way or another, rather just a great IGT of OR capturing the land, finesse and balance that makes these such lovely wines and at a killer price.
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5/6/2011 - Sycamore wrote: 87 Points
Probably just its youth, but its hard to put a finger on this one. Straddles the line between new and old world in style (e.g., fruity, but with pretty noticeable tannins), and comes across a bit out of balance. Liked it better at times through the evening than others, and overall was satisfied, but not blown away. Wait at least a year on the next one.........
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5/3/2011 - Jack Cranley wrote: 88 Points
Fruit driven nose plus some yellow cake sweetness on the nose. Straightforward drinking, firm tannins. Nice lengthy finish of maraschino cherry.
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4/11/2011 - vanpe003 wrote: 92 Points
Garagiste Test Drive - Spring 2011; 4/10/2011-4/11/2011 (Home): Pop/pour - preliminary notes - this rocks!! Uncommonly precise, but not in the same austere way as a young burg. An interesting green floral spice on the nose. On the palate, quite tight but shows obvious balance. Will try to check in later. In the meantime, I probably wouldn't look to touch the bulk of these until 2013 and beyond. Score based on potential, though ultimately when at peak, I think it could well exceed 92 points.
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3/11/2011 - coremill wrote: 87 Points
Mostly 2008 Willamette Valley Tasting at Union Square Wines (Union Square Wines): Ruby color. Dense black cherry, cola. A bit of heat and hollowness keeps this from being better.
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9/22/2009 - Omar Khayyam wrote:
Harvest moon over Willamette Valley; 9/20/2009-9/25/2009 (Willamette Valley, various wineries): Impossible to score. Recently bottled, not yet released, fragmented, and probably going through some form of bottling shock. But what fruit underneath!!! If this thing pulls itself up by the arms and shows some real structure and balance, it is a keeper: 88-92.
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