Friday Sips

Ayres' Perspective Pinot Noir was initially conceived to be a bridge between Brad McLeroy's Willamette Valley Cuvee and his Cru bottlings. As we've seen this offering develop since its inception, it has turned out to be quite a bit more than a mere bridge and is an excellent value.

Made from a blend of grapes from Ayres Estate and Ribbon Ridge neighbors Saikkonen and Armstrong Vineyards, the 2011 Perspective Pinot Noir emits floral notes of violet, jasmine and lilac along with herbs and ethereal strawberry fruit. It's easy to want to think that this is only about elegance with its alluring perfume and suave personality, this Pinot seduces you in a bit like the sirens on the rocks, but do not be fooled, there is length, depth and above all, character behind its velvety robe. Enjoy through 2020.

Lumiere is part of J. Christopher's terroir series, which encompasses three different selections representing the growing appellations of the Willamette Valley. Included are wines from the Chehalem Mountain, Dundee Hills and this particular knockout cuvee from the Eola-Amity Hills.

Sourced primarily from 2 vineyard sites (Dubay and Angel Vine), the 2011 Lumiere is rather glorious from the moment that it's poured! Lovely smoke, cocoa, marionberry, underlying cranberry and elusive herbs and spices. Excellent backbone, delivering succulent, well-poised, sultry fruit to go along with prominent smoke and cracked pepper on a fanning out finish. There is something both attractive and sinister to this wine at the current moment and while it may be consumed right now, it will definitely develop nicely for a decade and more. If scores are your thing, this has 91 points from The Wine Advocate.

We lovingly refer to veteran Oregon wine producer Patty Green as the Princess of Darkness. We call her this because she makes so many tasty wines from so many single vineyards; it literally makes our head spin like Linda Blair's in the Exorcist! All kidding aside, this lady marches to the beat of her own drummer and we really dig her beat because these are some of Oregon’s best.

Patty Green’s Estate Old Vines Pinot is from their home vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge planted between 1984 and 1990. Vintage 2011 produced a classic, very Burgundian-inspired wine, which effortlessly puts forth an extra-level of class. Aromatic, forward and laden with nutmeg and exotic spices along with impressive red raspberry scents. Crawling through the mouth, this wine exudes its caressing qualities that are eloquent and absorbing from start to the lingering finish. Enjoy this extroverted Pinot Noir over the next 6-8 years.