The 2008 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills offers up a lovely nose of cedar, Asian spices, incense, cherry, and raspberry. Savory on the palate and packed with fruit, this tasty effort has enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years but can be enjoyed now and over the next 6 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

Light and fragrant, this is polished in texture, with a tight structure lighting a fire under the plum, spice and savory flavors, lingering easily on the refined finish. Best from 2012 through 2018. 6,308 cases made.??–HS??Region: Oregon / Willamette Valley / Dundee Hills Select to Add

Full-bodied, firm, fruit with cranberry and highlights of cranberry and chocolate. There’s plenty of acid, sharp edged at first, slowly softening a bit with light, slightly watery, edges.——P.G.(3/1/2011)—— 88