2008 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir
Knudsen Vineyards
Willamette Valley AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon
750ml bottles
Tasting Notes
You are all going to like this Pinot Noir. Besides the raspberry and cherry fruit aromas, this is the first Willamette Pinot I've ever gotten bright boysenberry fruit aromas from! Deep underlying scents of fresh tilled earth and Eastern spice rack further add to the complexity and wonderful smell of this classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. The mouth-feel and flavor exceed what one expects from the already enticing smell. This wine has lovely balance for those red fruits wrapped up into a velvet-textured tannin shell. The center of the palate is cherry creme with bright minerality. Enjoy a long lasting finish accented by red cherry and a hint of dark chocolate.
Wine Scores and Reviews
- 2008: Wine Advocate 90 "The 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, medium ruby red, it gives up an enticing nose of cedar, spice box, rose petals, cherry, and raspberry. This is followed by a medium-bodied, ripe, vibrant offering with ample spicy fruit flavors, good volume and intensity, and a medium-long finish. Drink it over the next 4-6 years."
- 2008: Wine Spectator 90 "Light and easygoing, with a real transparency to its pretty cherry, currant and guava flavors, mingling effectively with cream and delicate spice notes. This just doesn't quit on the finish. Drink now through 2015. 13,573 cases made. -HS"
- 2007: Wine Advocate 90 "The 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley is medium ruby-colored with an enticing bouquet of toast, cinnamon, rose petal, cherry, and cranberry. Sweet and seamless on the palate, this elegant effort has a bit of structure, excellent concentration, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Drink it over the next 6 years."
- 2007: Wine Spectator 89 "Almost 15,000 cases are made of this sturdy, solid Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. It's got more muscle and weight than the cheaper stuff from elsewhere, though not the textural interest and nuance of many single vineyard bottling. So it falls, right in the middle, and is priced accordingly, delivering red fruits, hints of herb, light toast and coffee-flavored tannins."
- 2006: International Wine Cellar 88 "Light red. Spicy raspberry and cherry on the nose, with a light kiss of bitter chocolate adding complexity. Smooth red fruit flavors become chewier with air, picking up dusty tannins and finishing with solid grip and good persistence."
- 2005: Wine Spectator 91 "Light, bright and refreshing, with nice, pure dark berry and a hint of smoke mingling on the lively finish. Drink now through 2008. 19,700 cases made. -HS"
- 2004: Wine Spectator 89 "Light and tangy, brimming with red cherry, raspberry and sweet spice aromas and flavors, nicely framed with a subtle touch of oak. Has tremendous appeal, although the finish gets a bit sharp. Drink now through 2010. 3,156 cases made. -HS"
- 2003: Wine Spectator 89 "The lithe, lissome style has lovely currant, plum and subtle spice flavors, real presence and a finish that lets the flavors linger without intruding. Drink now through 2008. 20,229 cases made. -HS" Top 100 Wines, Dec 2003
