Erath Vineyard’s 2005 Pinot Noir Leland was the wine we drank with dinner last night. And it was everything we expected — complex, rich, powerful and elegant. Not surprisingly, Leland paired well with steak. Most Pinots would.
Once again I’m surprised — delighted is a better word — at how much Pinot Noirs have developed in the 10 years since we lived in Oregon. I don’t think such an excellent Pinot Noir such as Erath’s Leland would have been made back in those days.
The problem is that I now want to open Erath’s 2005 Pinot Noir Prince Hill. I don’t want to cellar it. In fact, I’d like to open it tonight. We are on holidays, after all. Hmmmm. What to do, what to do.
Cheers!
I’ve had a few Oregon Pinot Noirs but none except a 2004 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir were really memorable. Perhaps Oregon’s reputation for stellar Pinot’s has inflated my expectations or maybe I’ve just drunk really pedestrian Pinots. I know you are an Oregon Pinot fan and I think we have similar wine palates so could you suggest 3-5 wines? My wife and I have limited time this coming spring and summer and this would also help us taylor a trip to the Willamette Valley.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your comment! I would definitely recommend going back to Domaine Drouhin. Hopefully you read my blog post about it:
I also recommend Erath, of course, as both the Leland and Prince Hill Pinots are very good.
Ponzi’s wine bar (on 7th and Highway 99 in Dundee) is a good experience too. Ponzi has always had good Pinots, although a bit pricey.
Other wineries to consider visiting — although some require an appointment — are Beaux Freres, Ken Wright, Adelsheim, Cristom, McKinlay and Patricia Green.
I hope this helps — I’d love to hear about your experience after you visit the Willamette Valley.
Cheers,
Margot