The Pinot Noirs begin with the 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley. Medium ruby-colored, it offers an enticing bouquet of smoke, spice box, cherry, and raspberry. Medium-bodied, on the palate it has a solid acid backbone, light tannin, plenty of savory red fruit, and an overall elegant personality. Another 1-2 years of bottle age should round it out although it can be enjoyed now. Penner-Ash performed optimally in the face of the challenges presented by the 2007 vintage. Their 2007 Riesling is reviewed in the Value section of this report and should not be missed.www.pennerash.com

"In 2007 it was a little cooler, and it started getting wet through the entire growing season. We had some nice heat near the end of the vintage, but the damage was done—we had some problems with botrytis. We sorted excessively and threw out about 30% to 40% of the fruit due to rot and disease pressure." Pale to medium ruby-garnet in color, the 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley opens with a classic nose of black and red cherries, wet leaves, cola and wood smoke with notions of underbrush. Light to medium-bodied, it has restrained black fruit in the mouth with strong notes of earth—turned soil, wet bark, tea leaves and dust—with a frame of soft, grainy tannins and just enough acidity to carry the long earthy finish. 5,100 cases were made.

Light and beautifully focused, with a delicate mineral note weaving through the cherry and currant fruit, all of it lingering effortlessly. Drink now through 2012. 5,100 cases made.??–HS??Region: Oregon / Willamette Valley Select to Add