Silvan Ridge’s 2008 Pinot Noir Oregon was blended from 6 vineyards with 10% Grenache added to the mix. It was aged for 10 months in 30% new oak. It exhibits a pleasant perfume of earth/underbrush, spice box, rose petal, black cherry, and black raspberry. In the mouth it has good volume, moderately intense fruit, and enough structure to permit 5-6 years of pleasurable drinking. www.silvanridge.com

The bouquet might seem murky at first, but it gains clarity with time. In the mouth, the cranberry and strawberry fruit is lean and tangy, while the finish is smooth and easy. There’s plenty of sweet and candied cherry fruit to this wine, so if you like that flavor of Lifesavers candy, by all means dig in. ——M.S.(9/1/2003)—— 86