2008 Oregon Pinot Noir ($20 to $40, mostly)

Last night, I got together with my tasting group to sample Oregon Pinot Noirs from the heralded 2008 vintage. The ground rules were that the wines were supposed to be $20 to $40 and available now. Two additional wines were thrown in, both above our price range. Not so surprisingly, those proved to be the overwhelming winners last night for the group. The wines were consumed blind over 2.5 hours. Breads and cheese were served.

At this price range, there is some value to be found and the wines should, for the most part, be good for at least five years. To really take advantage of the vintage though I think you need to be closer to the hgih end of the price range or higher. At that level, these wines are worth cellaring.

An opener:

• 2008 Cristom Viognier Estate 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  I liked this but had no idea that it was Viognier. Silvery/white gold in color. The nose is expressive with some grapefruit and seltzer. Silky texture. On the palate, slightly bitter almonds turning to grapefruit on the finish. Long finish. Nothing floral about this wine. I was told its $26 Ohio, which is perhaps a bit high but certainly worth drinking.

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The 08 Oregon Pinot Noirs:

• 2008 Redhawk Vineyard Pinot Noir 87 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  Very pale cherry red in color, clear and bright. The nose was tight at first but opened quickly to cherries and strawberries. Light bodied. A bit hollow on the mid palate. Rhubarb and cherries. Nice clean wine that is easy to drink. Would work well with food.

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• 2008 Penner-Ash Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  This was the groups WOTN and one that was slightly above our price range at over $40 in Ohio. Purple/ruby in color. The nose has cherry powdered drink. Very tight. On the palate, this seemed tingly on my tongue. Not sure if that was the acidity or some trapped CO2, but it seemed to dissipate with air and time. Black cherries. Very nice texture. This is dense and needs some time to develop. It is a big wine.

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• 2008 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  This has been on "sale" around town for $26 and this was the best showing I have had yet for this bottle. Ruby/purple in color. The nose has a bit of funk to it and seems to be early maturing. Also some cherries. Great texture. Slight cough syrup note on this finish. This has already begun to show its layers and while I don't think it makes old bones, this bottle was very good.

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• 2008 Kelley Fox Wines Pinot Noir Momtazi Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, McMinnville

  My first time trying one of her wines. Screw capped. I liked it far more than most of the group, however, it did get a first place vote. Light ruby in color with some purple hues to it. The nose is really intriguing with cherries, baking spice and hot asphalt. On the palate, sweet, ripe fruit and juicy texture intertwines with this kind of crushed melted asphalt quality that I really liked. Complex and young, this needs some time. I can see why some liked it less, as it is not straightforward or typical, but I will buy again.

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• 2008 Sineann Pinot Noir Reserve Schindler 93 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  I threw this in as an extra. I have not had one of Peter's reserves and thought this would be a great chance to try one blind. It was my WOTN and the group's #2. Of course, it is hard to get and beyond our price range as well. Purple/ruby in color. Best nose on the table with black cherries, cherries, some charcoal (oak) and a hint of dried leather. On the palate, juicy, delicious cherries and dark cherries with the slightest menthol/herbal not on the finish. Great texture. While it is obviously young, it opened and showed quite well. I do think ten years will do this wine well though. It has the stuffing.

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• 2008 Illahe Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  My first time with this producer. Light ruby in color, clear and bright. The nose has baking spice, cherries and rhubarb. Very soft texture on the palate. Cherries and straightforward. Nice and easy to drink.

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• 2008 The Four Graces Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 86 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  Purple/ruby in color. The nose has Rhubarb and cherries with a slight vegetal quality. On the palate, this is very tart. The least ripe fruit on the table. I would have expected riper fruit from this vintage. If you like this style though, you probably prefer it more than I. It was ok and I would certainly drink it anytime.

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• 2008 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Reserve 86 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  Ruby/purple in color and flat. When I see that, I wonder if the bottle is proper given how young the wine is. The nose is vegetal to me. Lou suggested pine, and perhaps there is some of that, but no real discernible fruit. On the palate, this is thin, but not a bad texture if that makes sense. Very tart cherries. Tart finish. Eating cheese helped tame the acidity, but I don't really like this style. Again, I would drink a glass or two, if I had opened it, but I was hoping for more.

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• 2008 Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir 87 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  Screw capped. Purple/ruby in color. Dark cherries and spice and oak on the nose. Medium bodied. Cherry milk shake on the palate. Some tannins were a bit distracting (from the oak?). Seemed to be as good as it will get, but who knows.

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