Wine Weekly

Van Duzer Estate Pinot Noir 2007 · Willamette Valley, Oregon

I meant to get this one into the Thanksgiving Wines series but somehow it slipped through.

In any case, you don’t need to have turkey to enjoy this Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley of Oregon — it goes with just about any lean meat or vegetarian dish.

Tasting Notes: Van Duzer Estate Pinot Noir 2007

Fragrant, expressive nose of fresh ripe strawberries, red raspberries. In the mouth you get similar flavors, though slightly more muted — starting with strawberry, raspberry, and cherry upfront, eventually also delivering some pomegranate, green notes and mild earth, before finally finishing with a hint of white chocolate and tart cranberry. Texture is smooth. Acidity is medium, tannins are soft. Alcohol is slightly noticeable at the very end, but in good balance with the fruit — it’s not hot at all. With its slightly stemmy character, pure earthy fruit, and food-friendly astrigency, it reminds me more of a Pinot Noir from Alsace than one from Burgundy or California. It’s OK alone but much better with food. Match it with chicken dishes, turkey, lean sausage, gamey fish, charcuterie, saucisses, mild cheese plates.

a-9 t-8 b-8 fc-9 v-7 ~ 91 Points

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Find more information at the Van Duzer Vineyards website