2000 Chehalem Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir

I've been working my way through 2000 Oregon Pinots in an attempt to put a dent in the cellar and pulled out two bottles of the 2000 Chehalem Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir. I had first tasted this wine shortly after its release on a trip to Oregon in September 2002 when we visited the winery and had the chance to taste a sample from every vineyard. I recall that this wine was a bit of a brat at release, tighly wound, and in a bit of a pout. But the structure was there, as was the promise of more accessible fruit, if given the chance.

These two bottles where the renmants of the case we left with that day and I wondered how this wine had held up over the many years. The first bottle showed beautifully with a deep garnet color. The only signs of age was a clear lip. The nose was a bit dusty but with hints of dark cherry,vanilla, and bramble. On the palate there was plenty of lovely, sweet fruit, velvety in texture, but with enough acid to keep it from being cloying or flabby.

The finish was long--40+ seconds--hot and slightly medicinal.

A week later I opened the second bottle, wondering if the first bottle was a fluke. Nope. Another pristine cork, terrific color, and almost identical characteristics, proving that this wine was indeed worthy of the wait.