Thursday, January 14, 2010

Wine Press Northwest Reviews!

Illahe Vineyards & Winery

2007 Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley, 1,700 cases, 13.5% alc., $20


Excellent.
Named after a tribal term that the French would refer to as terroir, this operation in Dallas, Ore., once sold grapes to Cristom and Joe Dobbes. This entry-level release features aromas of Cherry Garica ice cream, blueberry, tar and leather. There's a follow-through of flavors with nice leafiness, a nice blast of acidity and assertive tannins. The cherry candy finish will play nicely with pork tenderloin that's rubbed with herbs de Provence or pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes.

Illahe Vineyards & Winery

2007 Reserve Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley, 200 cases, 13% alc., $38

Excellent.
Co-winemakers Brad Ford and Michael Lundeen showcase 50% new French oak, but the program still allows for fresh aromas of a nice Hawaiian Fruit Punch to emerge above mint and allspice. It's an easy drink of raspberries and cherries with a bit of grip at the end.

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