Firesteed Pinot 2007

• Area: Oregon
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Alcohol: 12.3%
• Rating: Black C- Dilettante C-

Description: Bright red cherry and vanilla toast make up the pleasant nose. Unfortunately, sipping is a disappointment. Limp notes of red fruit with a hint of coffee was all we could get out of this. Sadly, this is nothing like the 2006. Perhaps this wine is far too subtle for our palates. Of course this is just our opinion. Others could disagree.

Price: $15

Sorry, no photo at this time.

Canyon's Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

• Area: Oregon, Horse Heaven Hills
• Grape: Cab Sauv
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Rating: Black 91 Dilettante 91

Description: Aromas of Balinese incense wafted out of the glass like an offering to the gods. We loved, loved, loved the heady, perfumed nose of tropical flowers, fruits, exotic woods and chalky spice. Rich and complex in the mouth with overtones of florals and cotton candy. The fruit forward attack is filled with bright cherries and mellows into flavors of spice box, raspberries and a hint of pine. It finishes off with a bone dry oakiness. Black said, "It tastes like a warm summer rain." Decanting loosens it up.

Price: $15

Note: We consider this a sipping wine.

Illahe Viognier 2008

• Area: Oregon, Willamette Valley
• Grape: Viognier
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Rating: Black 88 Dilettante 89

Description: The expressive nose of honeysuckle, peach, honeydew and pineapple carries all the way through to the finish. Full attack with a clingy mouthfeel. The flirty finish has just enough acidity to balance the sweetness.

Price: $17

Primarius Pinot Noir 2007

• Area: Oregon/Washington State
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Rating: Black 90 Dilettante 89

Description: Heady nose of roses, violets, chocolate, spice and a touch of saddle leather. Full bodied and delicate in the mouth. Flavors of red fruit and flowers unfold on the palate. A lovely high note of red strawberry frames the soft and lingering finish. Decanting not required.

Price: $15 Excellent bargain for a pinot

Note: The grapes are grown in Oregon then shipped to Washington for processing and bottling.

Firesteed Pinot Noir 2006

• Area: Oregon
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Rating: Black; 94 Dilettante; 93 Nwjr; 95

Description: The nose is loaded with aromas of vanilla, raspberry and dark chocolate. The attack is sweet, the mid is dry and the lingering finish is sweet. This wine has flavors of red fruits, dark chocolate, orchid flowers, raspberry and roasted coffee beans. Delicate and surprisingly rich. Black said, "this is the pinot that guy was searching for in the movie Sideways."

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