quote:

As I said above, Pinot likes to make fools of many of us-- it disappoints, and delights, as it chooses.

(Quote from BH Vineyard above)

That's me. I've been made of a fool many times by the PN's.

Thanks for the update Tom. That helps me a lot.

quote:

Originally posted by BHVineyard:
I was amused to see that a small group seems to have beat-up this topic for 2-weeks and then got tired. So, now that it is a new year, here's my two cents on a few points; perhaps the debate will restart?...:

Tom -- Thanks for the post. It's always enjoyable to hear your thoughts/insights. The holidays and heavy business travel in December forced this to the back burner for me, but I haven't stopped thinking about it.

My recent travels have actually provided a perspective that I don't get (take advantage of, may be a better way to phrase it) in most years. Most restaurants have a meager -- if any -- Pinot Noir selection, which means that, if they do have something, it is most likely a large production, widely distributed wine. Since early December, I've had the 2010 Erath Oregon Pinot Noir in Savannah, the 2010 Argyle WV Pinot Noir in Allentown, and the 2010 Elk Cove WV Pinot Noir last night in Boston.

I don't have exact production figures, but these are several of the larger production Pinot Noir bottlings in Oregon. Thus, by definition, they offer perspective into the vintage. The bottom line, IMHO, is that these three entry level, large production, wines are quite respectable. Mind boggling good? No. Will I be buying these three for my own celler. No. (I never have and don't plan to start now -- it's not just a 2010 'thing'.) But, I was very happy to be able to purchase Pinot Noir that provided this level of enjoyment at a restaurant. And the big picture is that, if the entry level wines are respectible, then the higher quality wines have the potential to be very good, as I have already noted.

I'm definately looking forward to tasting the 2010 Le Cadeau line up.

I got to taste the 2010 St Innocent Villages Cuvee, Temperence Hill, Zenith and Justice and all showed very well. Alot of acidity and good depth for a cool vintage.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mpls wine guy,

+1 to what Sharkey said. I am still interested in researching the 2010 Oregon Vintage, but the holidays kind of got in the way. Since my last TN post, I have had the Shea Estate (my least favorite Shea that I can remember), Big Table Farm Catrall (weird popcorn aroma - ? flawed) and retried the Domaine Drouhin (which is outstanding). I agree that there is a lot of similarity to 07, but there seems to be more incosistancy (at least in my small sampling). I will continue to try them as they hit the market and will purchase some of the ones I like for cellaring.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Red guy in a blue state,

Last night we had the 2010 Penner-Ash Shea Vineyard, and I posted a tasting note. Loved it.

Have popped 2010 Bergstrom Bergstrom and 2010 St. Innocent Shea, both wonderful wines. The Bergstrom was a dead-ringer for Grand Cru Burgundy. The St. Innocent was a bit lighter but still outstanding. As a Burgundy lover I am now turned onto Oregon. My tastes run right to what this Bergstrom is showing, so I imagine I'd like the heavier producers in lighter years and the lighter producers in heavier years. (Can't stand Cali Pinot BTW, with very few exceptions.)

Bump.

In the last week, I've opened . . .
2010 Cameron Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
2010 Matello Durant Vineyard Pinot Noir

Both were very enjoyable.

I have tried several St. Innocent 2010's.....Absolutely loved them. Especially the Momtazi.

Agree that 2010's are for those who like their Pinots more restrained. If you favor the Cali-style, 2006 and 2009 are more your speed.