Panther Creek's most intense wine in 2000 is also their finest. A large, muscular offering with outstanding depth of fruit, the medium to dark ruby-colored 2000 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard has perfumed aromas of red cherries, blackberries, and notes of tar. On the palate, this dense, powerful wine is loaded with cassis liqueur, cherries (both red and black), and blueberries. As seems to always be the case with wines from Freedom Hill, its tannic backbone will require some patience. Projected maturity: 2005-2012. According to Michael Stevenson, Panther Creek's winemaker and resident disc-jockey (he's always got some great rock or blues jamming in the background), "2000 was a vintage of significant reduction (see the introduction for more information on this phenomenon) problems." This was confirmed by my tastings at other wineries (though rarely by any other winemakers). Tel. (503) 472-8080