Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir (2007)

"Of the earth comes the fruit of the vine and from the artistry of hour hands and nature comes gratification, libation and our reward."  Those words grace the label of the Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir, Grande Assemblage Cuvee (2007). Although I looked for information about the 2007 vintage, I was not very successful.  However, I did find some info about the 2009 vintage, which provides some insight into this wine.

The 2009 vintage of this Pinot Noir is made from grapes grown on nine different vineyards.  The vineyards and their American Viticultural Area designations are the following: Momtazi Vineyard (McMinnville); Willakia Vineyard (Eola-Amity Hills); Symonette Vineyard (Eola-Amity Hills); Quailhurst Vineyard (Chehalem Mountains); Youngberg Hill Vineyard (McMinnville); Barron-Wahl Vineyard (Chehalem Mountains); Ana's Vineyard (Dundee Hills); Yamhill Springs Vineyard (Yamhill-Carlton); and Beacon Hill Vineyard (Yamhill-Carlton).  Although I could not if the 2007 vintage drew from the same vineyards, I would assume that to be the case.  In any event, the wide range of vineyards from which the grapes are grown allows this wine to provide a macro perspective of what an Oregon Pinot Noir can achieve.  

The winemaker describes the wine as pouring a pure garnet color.  I could see that, although I think the wine poured a little more like a cranberry red.  The winemaker describes the aromas as dark cherry and a hint of the forest floor.  Although I cannot say with certainty what the forest floor may smell like, there are definitely aromatic elements of cherry, with a hint of minerality or spice on the edges.  

The taste of Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir is definitely fruit-forward, with cherries being the principal taste in the wine.  The body of the wine is definitely lighter than other Oregon Pinot Noirs.  As one drinks this wine, there is a noticeable spice in the finish, as well as some tannins and astringency, which add to the character of this wine.  

Like most Pinot Noir wines, the Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir can be paired with any dish that prominently features leaner meats, such as chicken or pork.  Given it is an Oregon wine, the Pinot Noir can obviously be paired with foods that are well associated with the State, such as mushrooms (and truffles) and salmon.  

Dobbes has a decent sized distribution network, and, I have seen its wines in stores in Illinois and in the Mid-Atlantic.  This wine sells for about $23.00 a bottle.

ENJOY!