2003 Namaste Vineyards Prosperity Block Pinot Noir

[dananne]

We picked this up after tasting it at a little tasting room in McMinnville during our summer '05 trip to Willamette. We decanted it 30 minutes before 1st pour. Dark garnet color, with an expressive nose of crushed berries, both red and black. Unlike many Oregon '03s, this one didn't seem hot and/or heavy. Instead, it offered pretty Pinot texture, was silky smooth in the mouth, and delivered refined black cherry and blackberry fruit with a ringing acidity. The blackberry flavors finish with a light dusting of vanilla. Very nice wine. We paid about $25 for it, and we've never seen this producer before or since. Alc. a very reasonable (especially for '03) 13%.

[Alsatian]

I've driven by this winery dozens of times on my to Salem from the Coast and have wondered about their wines. Thanks for the report. BTW, did you tour any wineries of the beautiful Willamette Valley?

[dananne]

Yeah, we've been out there two of the last three summers, and we've tasted just about everywhere. We're nuts about Oregon Pinot Noir as well as the area. If you scroll down to the Wine Travel thread and look at "all topics," you'll find my trip reports. Would love to know your favorites.