The 2006 Pinot Noir Equinoxe is dark ruby-colored with aromas of smoke, toast, leather, and dark fruits. Sweet, savory, and succulent, the wine has excellent depth and concentration, complex flavors and a lengthy finish. Tom and Deb Mortimer purchased their property in the Chehalem Mountains AVA in 1997 and began planting in 1999. Currently there are 10 acres in production with another 5 to come on-line next year. Four Pinot Noirs are produced, all from estate fruit, and each is made by a different winemaker. www.lecadeauvineyard.com

Le Cadeau’s Equinoxe Cuvee is the winery’s most limited offering, just 110 cases. Quite distinctive, it carries a high, piercing caraway note, but also offers rich, ripe, chunky cherry fruit and streaks of cola and caramel. It’s concentrated and chewy, a substantial wine with a soft, lengthy finish incorporating earth, leaf and pepper. ——P.G.(12/15/2008)—— 91