The 2007 Pinot Noir Estate Cuvee is a barrel selection from the winery's better blocks aged in 50% new oak. Spicy, savory red fruit aromas give way to a smooth-textured, concentrated, nicely balanced wine with racy red fruits, lively acidity, and a pure finish. It will drink nicely over the next 7-8 years. Sokol Blosser was established in 1971 making it one of the pioneer wineries of Willamette Valley. However, their wines had not been reviewed in this journal since 2002 when they decided to no longer submit samples to critics. When I learned that they had changed their position I arranged a visit to the winery located in the Dundee Hills AVA. The next generation is now operating the winery with siblings Alex and Alison Sokol Blosser having succeeded their parents. Production stands at 65,000 cases, about half of which is their extraordinarily successful Evolution white blend. Sokol Blosser releases their wines later than most so that 2007 is the current vintage. Sokol Blosser's 2008s are all in bottle and, not surprisingly, a significant step above the 2007s (a statement which applies to almost every Willamette Valley producer - although many 2007s seem to have gained weight over the last year).www.sokolblosser.com