While we're on the topic of Pinot Noir, I have to share my amazing experience at the Gran Cru's Oregon Wine Experience located in Orlando, FL in March. If you love Pinot Noir, or are like me, and want to know where to find the really good ones, because typically they are somewhat expensive and you don't want to waste your money on a not so good one, then this is the event for you! We tasted over 100 wines, and couldn't believe how we were tasting Pinot after excellent Pinot. Some of our favorites with approximate prices: Daedalus Cellars "Labyrinth" Pinot Noir, 2004, $41.20; Domaine Meriwether Pinot Noir, $25.20; Foris Pinot Noir, $31.90; The Four Graces Pinot Noir, $31.25 and "Reserve" Pinot Noir $43.99; Henry Estate Pinot Noir, $21.99 and "Barrel Select" Pinot Noir, $27.75; La Cadeau "Rocheux" Pinot Noir; Sokol Blosser, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28.40; Torii Mor "Deux Verres Reserve, $52.25" and "Hawks View" $64.75; and Willamette Valley Vineyards, "Estate" Pinot Noir $34.75.
Our 1st place prize went to Panther Creek Cellars for the most outstanding Pinot Noir of the night! "Winemaker's Cuvee ($35.99), "Temperance Vineyard" ($47.50), and "Freedom Hill" ($47.50) were all excellent, and the "Shea Vineyard" 2006 ($47.50) actually eared a 10 on our rating scale! All bottles at the tasting were 20% off, so we bought one for $38.00.
Also, these vineyards had fabulous Pinot Gris and white blends. For under $20, try Foris Pinot Gris, Sokol Blosser "Evolution" white blend, and Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling. Yum!
