Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Pinot Noir (2007)

"The Pinot Noir grape is one tempermental fruit." During our honeymoon, we heard that a lot from the different wineries that we visited.  Despite its temperamental nature, many of the wineries and vineyards in Oregon's Willamette Valley have been able to make some great wines with that grape.  One of those vineyards is Sokol Blosser.  Both Clare and I got a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard and its wine-making process during our honeymoon.  We also bought a few bottles to take home with us and, over time, we drank them.  I never thought I would see Sokol Blosser wines again, until we came across a bottle of the 2007 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir.  

It is remarkable how a bottle of wine can bring back some great memories.  When we opened this bottle, I could remember that tour.  Walking through the vineyards, visiting the environmentally friendly cellar, and, of course, trying some of Sokol Blosser's wines. 

The 2007 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir pours a dark red color, with some interesting cherry tones.  Once poured, the wine's aroma sparked thoughts of cherries.  Ripe, soft dark cherries.  There may have been some raspberry as well, but the cherries were the principal aromatic element of this wine. 

As for the taste, the winemaker suggests that the 2007 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir should feature dark cherries, raspberries and mocha.  I could definitely sense the dark cherrries, which seemed to take center stage in the flavor profile.  However, they had an interesting supporting cast.  As the wine opened up, there were flavors such as tomatoes, melding together with spice tones to spark images of a pizza in one's mind.  (Perhaps, I was just hungry for a pizza when I drank this wine.) This is a rather unusual flavor profile for a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir wine, and, at least for me, that profile made the wine very interesting and enjoyable to drink.  

The winemaker suggests that this wine could be best paired with salmon, pork and lamb dishes.  I think this wine could work especially well with grilled fish or meat dishes,  although braised dishes would also work well with this wine . Of course, I think this wine would also pair well with a simple pizza, with some red sauce, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, and sausage. 

Sokol Blosser wines are relatively easier to find than many other Willamette vineyards and wineries.  If you can find this wine, it will probably cost about $50.00 a bottle. 

ENJOY!