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Wine Recommendation
Willamette Valley Vineyards
2005 Pinot Noir(Willamette Valley)
LIVE is the new Biodynamic. Well, not quite. Short for Low Input Viticulture and Enology, Willamette Valley Vineyards owner Jim Bernau and other Oregonian winemakers whose operations have met international standards of sustainable viticulture practices use the term on their labels.
Bernau purchased his vineyards beginning in 1983 with the goal of making Burgundian varietals Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. His Estate Vineyard faces south and ranges from 500 to 750 feet in elevation. In 1997 he purchased the Tualatin Estate, near Forest Grove. Along with winemaker Forrest Klaffke, Bernau works towards varietal emphasis and the silky, sensuous texture found so often in fine white and red Burgundy.
Bright, fairly saturated ruby, and viscous, this wine has aromas of wild strawberries, raspberry jam, tarragon, Greek oregano, underbrush, earth, and tar. Creamy, round, and soft on entry, the wine becomes more defined and angular, with lively underlying acids and cranberry, mulberry and menthol notes. The tart, juicy, sweet-sour finish encourages another sip, and another bite of food. Enjoy with fresh, grilled salmon, quail with morels, seared ahi topped with foie gras and Pinot Noir/mushroom reduction, or mushroom/fontina pizza.
Reviewed January 31, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.
Other Awards & Accolades
Gold Medal - 2007 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition
Gold Medal - 2007 Taster’s Guild International Wine Competition
Silver Medal - WineFest 2007
88 pts - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Recommended - Food & Wine Magazine
The Wine
Winery: Willamette Valley Vineyards |
The Reviewer
Catherine Fallis
Founder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth. |