Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2008

Why Buy: This has to be one of the best Pinot Noirs for under $20. If I was rich I would buy every wine that Evesham Wood produces.

Price : $18

Details: Warm berry pie or cobbler... buttery crust, pie spice - ginger, nutmeg and a hint of anise - and fresh blueberries, spiked with strawberry and a deep hidden forest background. Beautifully balanced, full and round while remaining fresh and light with clean, shadowy tannins. 13% alcohol keeps this food friendly and hangover preventative. Wine making practices are stylistically Burgundian, but the resulting wine is perfectly Oregonian.

Notes: Evesham Wood is an organic winery. The grapes for this bottle are not estate grown, but they were sustainably grown in non-irrigated ("dry farmed") vineyards. Non-irrigated vineyards save ground water as well as producing strong, healthy vines by forcing them to grow deep roots.

Occasion and Pairing: One of my "Holiday Pinots" because it would go great with the holiday classics, Baked Ham or herb Roasted Goose.

State: Oregon

Region: Willamette Valley