May 8, 2011 - This wine is currently in its prime. Dark crimson in color with beautiful aromas of dark berry and cedar spice leaping from the glass. On the palate, I couldn't agree more with the previous review of being "almost cab like". It's big in structure and has lots of concentrated fruit. The acidity and tannin structure have mellowed a bit, making this a perfect time to enjoy what may be left in your cellar.
March 15, 2010 - This was tasting very nice. Still had plenty of structure.
March 14, 2009 - Unlike previous tastings this wine really came together last night. Was lush and the alcohol dominance had faded. Finally starting to live up to it's pricetag of $70.
March 3, 2009 - Not as good as what we had at the winery (2008). But still a fine example of an Oregon Pinot.
November 28, 2008 - This was almost "cab-like". Decanted for 2 hours. Towards the end of the bottle sour cherry dominated this wine. Very dark and dense for a pinot. Will have to try more. Not sure if I loved it or kinda liked it.
November 15, 2008 - What an absolutely fantastic Oregonian Willamette Valley pinot, probably our favorite pinot and vintage to date. Enjoyed with Kim at Blue in Charlotte NC. Completely agree with previous tasting notes - nose very balanced but somewhat muted with hints of honey, black fruit and blackberries and underlying hints of pepper with cloves. Good mouth feel, very balanced and well integrated with enough acid and tannins present to stand up to food, no off tones at all, very solid core. Flavors initially fruit and berry centered with cherry, dark fruit and blackberry flavors dominating with evolution of more white pepper, honey and some leather as the wine opened up further. Fairly long finish. Very very good - this is another one of those upper end wines that are simply worth the money and am actively looking for more to get. I think this would stand up to at least 2-3 more years of cellaring with interesting results.
October 18, 2008 - What an absolutely fantastic Oregonian Willamette Valley pinot. Enjoyed with Kim at GW Fins in Charlotte NC and this is still the best mature pinot we have had. Nose very balanced but somewhat muted with hints of honey, black fruit and blackberries and underlying hints of pepper with cloves. Good mouth feel, very balanced and well integrated with enough acid and tannins present to stand up to food, no off tones at all. Flavors initially fruit and berry centered with cherry, dark fruit and blackberry flavors dominating with evolution of more white pepper, honey and some leather as the wine opened up further. Fairly long finish. Very very good - this is another one of those upper end wines that are simply worth the money and am actively looking for more to get. I think this would stand up to at least 2-3 more years of cellaring with interesting results.
September 1, 2008 - Had next to the 2002 which didn't help it. Took some time to settle down. Good cherry on the nose but a little hot and not quite together on the back end.
February 1, 2008 - Our favorite pinot thus far and one of my favorite wines, unfortunately relatively hard to get and with very limited production. Had with Kim, Bill and Debbie with both plank grilled and roasted salmon and garlic / ginger rice. At this point in it's life the nose is very balanced but somewhat muted with hints of honey, black fruit and blackberries and underlying hints of pepper and possibly rosemary. Good mouth feel, very balanced and well integrated with enough acid and tannins present to stand up to food, no off tones at all. Flavors initially fruit and berry centered with cherry, dark fruit and blackberry flavors dominating with evolution of more white pepper, honey and some leather as the wine opened up further. Fairly long finish. Very Very good - this is another one of those upper end wines that are simply worth the money and am actively looking for more to get. I think this would stand up to at least 2-3 more years of cellaring with interesting results.
May 27, 2007 - Looked like a cab, and with the first hour - tasted like it. Evolved into a little more pinot like qualities - but I think this was either drank way too early or just not that good. I left a little for tomorrow, hope springs eternal.