First I would like to say that I’m not that much of a pinot drinker myself but I have a lot of friends who are.  With that in mind, I will do my best to describe this wine for those of you who are real pinot fans.

This is the 2008 “ForeFront” Pinot Noir from the grape growing valley of Willamette, Oregon.  After founding Pine Ridge Vineyards, the late Gary Andrus started developing Oregon as the next best wine-growing region for Pinot Noir by cultivating French clones with the similar temperature conditions as Burgundy.  Today, winemaker Michael Beaulac continues his legacy with the 2008 “ForeFront” Pinot Noir.

This dark Pinot Noir produces a very soft burst of raspberry.  I found the finish to be very gentle and reminiscent of the time I first tasted grape juice as a kid. Needless to say, this wine was very easy to drink.  I paired it with a simple turkey sandwich, brie and tomatoes.  It was the perfect combination to take the edge off after a long day at the office.

I have to say though that I didn’t appreciate it as much as a Pinot from Napa Valley.  It didn’t have that deep plum finish that I usually get from the Carneros Valley.  Although I prefer my wine from California, I think that most Pinot fans prefer their wine from Oregon and for good reason.  It’s all about what you like to taste.

If your not familiar with the differences, here’s a little breakdown.  The grapes from the Dundee Hills are responsible for the centerpiece of this wine thanks to its high elevation, roughly 500’ above sea level. This provides warmer nights for the grapes and less exposure to low level fog.  The soil is a lava based Jory soil where as Carneros, only a few feet above sea level, consists of a wide range of soils (sandstones, stilstones, and clay deposits).  These are just a few details to help you taste the differences between the two valleys.

If you like your wines form Oregon, I’m sure the 2008 “ForeFront” Pinot Noir will fit your palate.  At a reasonable price of $24, I encourage all you pinot fans to take this one for a spin.

If you can’t find this wine locally, ask your favorite retailer to carry it.  That usually helps.  But if it doesn’t, reach out to Pine Ridge Vineyards on Facebook or send them an email at info@pineridgewine.com.