The 2008 Pinot Noir Provocateur contains wine from all 8 of the vineyards utilized by Prosser. This had the effect of reducing the quantity of the more expensive single vineyard cuvees and doubling the quantity of Provocateur which is value priced, a sign of the tough market for premium wines but obviously great for the consumer. The wine is medium ruby-colored with a fragrant perfume of cedar, spice box, incense, cherry, and raspberry. Mouth-filling on the palate with excellent concentration, this savory effort has layers of succulent fruit, an elegant personality, moderate structure, and 2-3 years of aging potential. It is a great value in Pinot Noir. Owner/winemaker Jim Prosser has settled into his brand new winery on Parrett Mountain. He tends to release his wines later than most so that his current vintage is 2007. However, the 2008s are in bottle, and Prosser was kind enough to present them as well. As an aside, to those who might question the longevity of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Prosser opened a 1999 (the vintage most frequently compared to 2008). Dark ruby in color, it gives up a slightly roasted, already complex perfume of black fruit confiture. Right at its peak with another 10-15 years of life ahead, this is a sneak preview of what you’ll be getting when the better 2008s reach age 10. Tel. (503) 554-0721; www.jkcarriere.com