2007 Cowhouse Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir
Holstein Vineyards
Dundee Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon
750ml bottles
2007 Cowhouse Pinot Noir Tasting Notes
Wow! The aromatics leap out of the glass. The aromas display beautiful integration between French oak and blackberry fruit. Complexity kicks in for a concentrated nose with cobblestone and spice rack bouquet. The flavor is just as rich especially in mid-palate showing an elegant complexity we’ve not seen very often out of New World Pinot Noir. Reminds me of a layer cake of cherry, plum, and spice.
2007 Cowhouse Pinot Noir Vintage Notes
The 2007 growing season was picture perfect up until the end of September. Not too cold, and not too hot, usually makes Argyle a very happy winemaker.
Many times predicted bad weather news is thwarted by the fall jet stream’s ability to pop back up into British Columbia. This was not the case for 2007. September 27’s rain event predicted a week before became a reality. Argyle has over 20 years experience with Oregon weather. Argyle believes in balanced irrigation to encourage leaves on the vine to stay healthy and actively “pumping” flavor into the fruit berries. We found over time that this activity can actively encourage slightly earlier ripening than dry farmed portions. This earlier ripening by even a couple of days, paid off in 2007.
We went to the whip to pick a significant amount of our ripest fruit just prior to the night of the 27th. This of course means that a significant amount of fruit had to ride out the storm. Argyle has shown mastery in the face of adversity before. The result seems to be great balanced structure to show off elegant, juicy fruit.
