Revealing blackberry and licorice aromas, the dark-colored 2000 Pinot Noir Premier Cuvee has an expansive, medium-bodied core of blackberries, brambleberries, spices, and grilled oak flavors. It is a highly extracted, firm, rustic, tannic wine whose fruit may well have trouble surviving its hard backbone. Those readers who enjoy taking risks should age this wine for 4-5 years before approaching it in the hope its tannins will soften; others should drink up. The 2000 vintage is the last produced by Archery Summit's winemaking team of Gary Andrus and Sam Tannahill, both men having departed to begin other ventures. Tel. (503) 864-4300

An odd bottle, with a curious set of disjointed flavors. Berries, coconut, vanilla and a funky, microbial odor reminiscent of soy or seaweed are all mixed together. The fruit is light and sweet, like a candy Lifesaver, and the finish is flat, dull and lifeless. —P.G. ——P.G.(4/1/2003)—— 85