The 2008 Pinot Noir Peach Tree is medium ruby-colored with an alluring bouquet of cinnamon, clove, smoke, red licorice, and assorted red fruits. Dense on the palate with ample structure, it can be approached now but will reward 2-3 years of cellaring. 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

The 2007 Pinot Noir Peach Tree is noticeably woody in its aromatics which also include spicy cherry and raspberry notes. On the palate it displays greater complexity than the 2 previous offerings as well as more concentration and length. Hopefully the oak will better integrate with another 2-3 years of bottle age. 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