458. Willamette Valley Vineyards, Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Oregon, 2006

£31; 14.5%

Picked this up at POTG with a view to getting to know Oregon Pinots better. Overall, not bad, albeit with a tendency towards slightly over-sweet and overripe in the California style. Pale ruby-garnet colour, fading through rose, to a watery rim. Cranberry and redcurrants – crunchy red fruits, with rosy, violet notes, cocoa, coal-smoke, and a herby note. Sweet raspberry fruit. Very gentle, silky tannin. A little above moderate acidity. Quite long, slightly bitter chocolate, slightly alcoholic finish.