Bethel Heights
Cristom
Domain Drouhin
Elk Cove
Rex Hill
Willakenzie
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Willakenzie 2001 Pinot Noir
I was impressed with the smooth nature of this wine all-the-while noticing its
great acid structure and sultry tannins.
The fruit is lush with flavors or wild cherries, earth, and a touch of exotic Indian spices.
The finish was a delight as bright, hard-candy-like, cherry flavors echoed on my tongue.
Retail price $22. Tasted September 10, 2003. Two out of three for this well made pinot  .
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Elk Cove Willamette Valley 2001 Pinot Noir
is a wonderful bottle of Domestic Pinot Noir.
The black cherry flavors are deep and soft.
The complexity occurs as spices, smokey flavors of toasted vanilla, and a touch of acidity.
The tannins are soft and the fruit lingers on a lingering finish.
Retail price $20. Tasted September 12, 2003. A great bottle of pinot earning one  .
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Domain Drouhin 1999 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
is an attention getter!
The acidity was big, bright, and bold, while the fruit had depth enough to make you stop what you're doing to
admire it's beauty.
The wild cherries, raspberries, white chocolate, and rose hips echo on your tongue from first sip to finish.
The tannins are silky.
With the intensity and extraction of fruit, I suspect this wine will be around for a few years.
The boldness of flavors, the density of fruit, and the seamless experience are what good Oregon pinot is all about.
It is what you'd expect from Bourgone trained Artisans.
Retail price $40. Tasted September 8, 2003. An event in its own right with two .
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Cristom2000 Mt. Jefferson Cuvée, Willamette Valley, Oregon
is named after one of winemaker, Steve Doerner's, favorite Peaks in the Cascade Mountains,
which can be seen from the Cristom vineyards.
This pinot is silky, with sultry suggestions of smoke, bitter chocolate and minerals,
yet bright with flavors of wild cherries, hibiscus flowers, and rose petals.
The fruit is dense and the acidity allows this wine to have structure from the moment it
crosses your lips until after the last drop has passed over your palate.
Cristom Mt. Jefferson Pinot Noir Cuvée has great aging potential.
Drink it now or lay it down for a few years, either choice will bring an enjoyable experience.
Retail price $25. Tasted August 21, 2003. An incredible buy with three  .
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Cristom 2001 Oregon, Washington Pinot Gris
has white flowers and pears on the nose.
On the palate the wine has racy acidity, with flavors of quince, honeysuckle and
little glints of gooseberry.
Mineral and white flowers arise on the finish, as the quality-fruit shines through like honey.
This is a great example of clean fruit meets perfect balance.
Retail price $17. Tasted August 21, 2003. Great summer thrist quencher at one  .
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Rex Hill 2000 Willamette Pinot Noir
is a great value for the price.
Earth and sassafrass on the nose.
Wild cherries, strawberries, clove, and a tickle of spearmint on the finish.
The acidity pulls the fruit flavors together and the tannins suggest that this wine is
a drinker now, but a few years will bring more.
Retail price $40. Tasted August 10, 2003. Dazzling with .
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Bethel Heights 2002 Estate Grown Pinot Blanc is elegant and refreshing.
I was bowled over by the elegant floral and pear flavors.
The acidity was refreshing, as minerals impressed themselves slightly on my tongue.
The finish lingered with a rich honeysuckle final note. It is wonderful to experience pinot blanc
in such an elegant, genuine, effort. This wine is not trying to be anything other than a well
made pinot blanc, which on its own, is enough.
Retail price $12. Tasted June 05, 2003. We give this wine two .
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Bethel Heights 2002 Pinot Gris has clean, crisp acidity that doesn't
bite you back, yet is the perfect accompanyment for food. The nose whispers
Earl Grey and the palate is a zesty example of apple, lime peel, and apricot.
The finish is clean and simple. This is what a Oregon pinot grigio should taste like.
Retail price $12. Tasted June 05, 2003. We give this wine one .
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Bethel Heights Estate Pinot Noir:
It is a joy to taste a well made pinot noirs.
I was very impressed with the quality of this wine for the price.
Fragrant cherries on the nose follow through on the palate as the jammy sweet yet sour cherry
flavors balance in your mouth as fruit and acidity compliment each other.
Slight cola nut rounds out the finish.
This bottle will deepen in flavor for the next five years.
Retail price $25. Tasted June 05, 2003. We give this wine two .
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Bethel Heights 2001 Flat Block Reserve Pinot Noir
is a Burgundian style pinot noir. Soft and spicy on the nose.
The sultry wild cherry, clove, and white pepper flavors make this wine a great choice
for white meats and grilled fish. The tannins in this wine
bolster the flavor and allow enough structure for at least five years of aging.
Retail price $40. Tasted June 05, 2003. We give this wine two .
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