One of Oregon’s better Pinot Noir values year after year is this basic bottling from Willamette Valley Vineyards. The 2006 is quite spicy with peppery highlights, and the red fruits are sleek and tart, though not green or thin. The core brings warm, somewhat round fruit flavors of pie cherry, plum, and a hint of toast from 20% new Allier barrels.——P.G.(7/1/2008)—— 88