The Aubichon 2010 Pinot Noir smells of fresh cherry, bay and basil, and comes to the palate sappy, tart, bright, and tinged with salinity that sees it nicely through a mouthwatering finish. This pure-fruited and vivacious Pinot should prove highly versatile over the next several years. Le Cadeau estate proprietor Tom Mortimer and one of his winemakers, Jim Sanders decided in 2007 to extend their collaboration (for more on which, see my report in this issue of Le Cadeau) into the realm of a very small negociant operation that could also serve as an outlet for any barrels not selected for inclusion in one of the Le Cadeau estate bottlings. Vista Hills Vineyards – high-up off the viticulturally historic Breyman Orchard Rd. south of Dundee; neighboring to the upper portion of Domaine Serene; and farmed by Buddy Beck in what Mortimer terms “a less geeky fashion than I advocate for my own property” (i.e. Le Cadeau) – is the sole non-estate source for Aubichon’s 2010s, although a property in Ribbon Ridge has been tapped for the 2011 vintage.Tel. (503) 625-2777

The 2009 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley spent 11 months in 33% new French oak. A hint of herbs, underbrush, spicy red fruits, and cherry blossom inform the nose of an easy-going, savory, nicely balanced effort meant for drinking over the next 5-6 years. It is a prototype for the 2009 vintage. Aubichon Cellars is a partnership between Tom Mortimer, owner of Le Cadeau, and Jim Sanders, winemaker.Tel. (503) 554-1970; www.aubichoncellars.com

Clearly an Oregon style, with definitive herbal highlights around ripe, almost sweet strawberry fruit. The midpalate has grip and weight, and flavors linger as the evolve into suggestions of strawberry preserves. Finishes with a kiss of chocolate.——P.G.(8/1/2011)—— 89

The dark ruby-colored 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley offers up an array of earth notes, mineral, and assorted black fruits. On the palate it lacks the sweetness of fruit which characterizes the better wines of the vintage. Drink it over the next 6 years. Aubichon Cellars is a partnership between Tom Mortimer, owner of Le Cadeau, and Jim Sanders, winemaker.Tel. (503) 554-1970; www.aubichoncellars.com