Lovely 1996 OR Pinot Noir

[Bucko]

1996 Lavelle Vineyards Pinot Noir, Winter Hill Vineyard, $25. Smoky cherries on the nose that carries over to the palate. Luscious, complex, sweet cherry fruit, very nice acidity, obvious but soft tannins, and smoky oak that is pretty much held in check and actually DOES accentuate the wine rather than overpowering it. Recommended.

Bucko

[Randy Caparoso]

Good gracious, a new one! Okay, Bucko, what's its story? Any data?

[Bucko]

Forgeron Vineyards was founded in the 1970s and folded in the early 1990s. The vineyard lay untended for several years until Susan Lavelle purchased the place and began a restoration. She managed to steal Secret House's winemaker, Gary Carpenter, who produced this wine. Only 110 cases were produced of this single vineyard wine.

Bucko

[Randy Caparoso]

110 cases, huh? I guess, it better be good! I'm interested, but our restaurants have been known to go through 2000 cases of one Oregon Pinot alone! Thanks for the tip!