The 2008 Pinot Noir Equinoxe sports an expressive nose of black currant, plum, forest floor, and lavender that jumps from the glass. More layered and dense than its sibling, it is packed with sweet fruit, is mouth-filling, and potentially complex. Give this lengthy effort another 2-3 years of cellaring to fill out. Tom Mortimer has divided his Le Cadeau Vineyard into five parcels with each block produced by a different winemaker. Tel. (503) 625-2777; www.LeCadeauVineyard.com

Nicely balanced, with a rich mix of tart, brambly berries, hard cherry candy, spicy herb and a vein of dark mineral. Everything is woven together in balance; the individual flavors stand out like threads in a tapestry, but give the wine texture and depth.——P.G.(10/1/2010)—— 90