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They said it couldn’t be done. Experts proclaimed that
growing grapes in Oregon would be a foolhardy undertaking, but a few
rebellious souls didn’t listen. With a wine culture that essentially started
from scratch in the 1960s, Oregon earned its world-class reputation by
focusing solely on crafting small-batch artisanal wines, particularly Pinot
Noir. The state’s most important appellation is the Willamette Valley.
It is a region that enjoys a long growing season, with abundant sunshine
and enough cool coastal influence to make it one of the few ideal
places on the planet for growing truly exceptional Pinot. As in Burgundy,
tasting a sense of place is all-important to the winemaker in Oregon.
This quartet is your chance to discover the subtlety and sophistication
of Oregon’s wines and to taste the place for yourself. |
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| White Wine |
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FIRESTEED PINOT GRIS 2007
Oregon
TASTING NOTE: ... This wine, made of grapes from several vineyards in both the Willamette and Rogue Valleys, has a gorgeous, pure nose with ripe peaches, apricot and tropical notes with a touch of green herb that adds depth. The tangy, citrusy palate is straight-forward. Well balanced with a lengthy finish. Great value.
Score - 2 1/2 Stars (out of 4).
(Lynne Char Bennett, San Francisco Chronicle, Sept. 5, 2008)
568071
(XD) 750 mL $19.95  |
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| Red Wine |
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Benchmark
ANDREW RICH CUVÉE B PINOT NOIR 2006
Willamette Valley
TASTING NOTE: This wine's fresh woodland berry scent melds with spice mix, sassafras and pink pepper. Its youth doesn't get in the way of its fineness, with ripe fruit pulled into line by fine acidity and the clean grip of fruit tannin. For roast chicken.
Score - 92. (Wine & Spirits, Feb. 2009)
127043
(D) 750 mL $33.95  |
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Organic Product
COOPER MOUNTAIN 20TH ANNIVERSARY RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2007
Willamette Valley, Made with Organically Grown Grapes
Our Quality Assurance Laboratory has determined that this wine contains 18 mg/L of free sulphur.
TASTING NOTE: ... A trilogy on the nose of black cherries, raspberries and black currants. Juicy core of black raspberry fruit, subtlety spiced with fine-grained tannins anchoring the nicely structured backbone and a touch of refreshing citrus-laden acidity bringing up the finish. This wine is a steal at this price.
(Rusty Gaffney, www.princeofpinot.com, March 26, 2009)
127308
(D) 750 mL $37.95  |
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MAYSARA JAMSHEED PINOT NOIR 2006
McMinnville
TASTING NOTE: Light and fragrant, with pretty floral overtones to the cherry and roasted meat flavors, lingering softly on the seamless finish. Drink now through 2014.
Score - 90.
(Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2008)
127035
(D) 750 mL $36.95 |
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