2003 Benton-Lane Oregon Pinot Noir

[dananne]

A blend from several southern Willamette vineyards. Benton-Lane is one of the sub-$20 Oregon wines we buy year to year, as sometimes they have a wine that's an outrageous value. Other times, we are disappointed. The '03 got some good press recently, garnering a 90 score from WE (maybe WS, I forget which, but that's beside the point). What is unusual is that they almost always get 85. This garnet-colored wine is very unusual. It has the body and flavor profile of a decent PN, but it has this wierd cotton candy note that pops up on the nose and on the palate. Not unpleasant, but unusual, especially considering that there is some barnyard going on. Really, it reminds me of a small-town Wisconsin fair. An interesting wine with a lot of character, expecially at $15. Alc. 13.6%. We probably won't get any more, as Anne said it opens up better, but still . . . just a bit too funky for her taste.

[This message has been edited by dananne (edited 07-09-2006).]

[brappy]

I agree with your notes here. The more interesting part for me is the barnyard on both the nose and palate. The wine reminds me of a pinot noir, but then again, does it? I guess I liked it...... I finished the bottle. I'm glad you posted this note; I was thinking my bottle was off. Or something.....

And I miss those great small county Wisconsin fairs.

mark