Bethel Heights, Southeast Block Pinot Noir

Good balance, good nose, pleasant.

Disappointing. No complexity. Sound wine.

Wine as solid this year than last time I tasted it. Fully integrated flavors with a deep dark cherry overtones without any sweetness, it is all nuance. I expect it to take on more complexity over the next few years and the finish should lengthen.

Drinking great. Nice berries, but no Oregon kool-aid here. Strong mid-palate, long finish. Tar, currant, and bramble berries are present. Should go another five years at least.

French Bakery BYO Cote de Nuit 1er & Grand Cru Dinner II (French Bakery, Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Islands, FL) : Chris Z's RINGER. Obviously New World, however contrary to my brazen delcaration, that it couldn't be OREGON, it was. Chris said he selected it because of the parallels to Burgundy, not only latitude, but climatic and soil conditions as well. It showed well for a 13 year old Oregonian, and I am frequently finding that Oregon Pinot's do require …

Transparent ruby hue. Nose opened with a low-key lushness but later became fuller with some spicy bite. Medium-bodied with bracing but not overbearing acidity. Concentrated flavors of blackberries and cherries mostly, plus a minor component of cola. Tannins well-integrated, finish nice. Very solid wine which paired well with grilled fresh Alaskan king salmon.