2002 Belle Pente Estate Reserve Pinot Noir

[dananne]

We found this little Willamette gem on our trip out there in '05, buying it at The Tasting Room in Carlton (just after visiting the Carlton Winemaker's Studio with Wonders). We decanted it for a half hour before 1st pour. Bright, transluscent ruby in color, with a nose of red cherries and pine needles. Lively, clear cherry flavors bounced around the glass with the acidity, and gingerbread notes added an interesting component. Silky in texture, and finished clean. Nicely balanced, and it would be very nice with that Pac NW favorite of salmon, but it could also pair nicely with something like oven roasted winter root vegetables. What I'm trying to say is that the balance and acidity would make it a good foil for food, which can't be said for every Pinot we drink. Alc. 14.3%. We paid $40 for it. FWIW, WS gave it a 90 and said drink to '12. If we had another, I wouldn't hold it that long, instead popping it between now and '10.