98 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir -- A Rebirth

[Bucko]

Bethel Heights has never been at the top of my OR Pinot Noir list -- poor QPR for oak-laden messes. Supposedly they backed off on all of the oak in 1997 (I did not
try them), producing more fruit-driven wines. This 98 wine shows that. Let's hope this trend continues into the future.

1998 Bethel Heights, Pinot Noir, Nysa Vineyards, $28. Red fruit and earthy aromas carry over to the palate, with rich, tart red cherries, a hint of smoke, a light hand
on the oak, nicely balanced. There was a faint aroma of matchstick when opened, but this quickly blew off. A fair price for a very tasty wine.

Bucko