2005 Argyle Cowhouse Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon

[wondersofwine]

I ordered this along with a Brut Rose' sparkling wine back in February. Only 104 cases produced. 14% alcohol Screwcap closure (Argyle is owned by Petaluma, an Australian company, and has been using screwcaps for awhile.) $50 from the winery

Ruby color if backlit; more purple-red looking down into the glass. Exhibits viscosity.
Nose of Damson plums, cedar, and also a scent that reminds me of a pipe tobacco my father once favored (a cherry liqueur type.)
Flavors of plum, boysenberry, cedar and spice (cinnamon and nutmeg) come together in an attractive meld. I was licking my lips after sipping. With exposure to air, the wood integrates and mellows into a nice mouthful of Pinot Noir.
This went well with wild mushroom bisque but could also complement duck or other fowl with a fruit sauce. It exceed my expectations.
After keying in my impressions I looked it up on the Argyle website. Their description emphasizes black cherry rather than plum or boysenberry (that cherry liqueur tobacco I was sensing) but also mentions cedar spice so I think I agree in part with their description. They also mention that 2005 was a particularly challenging vintage as it remained cooler and less sunny than usual in both September and October, but waiting out a late harvest allowed the winery to pick ripe grapes and is the sort of vintage on which Argyle thrives.