What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD)

It is nice to stumble upon an inexpensive bottle of Oregon pinot noir these days, considering how most seem to be in the $25 or higher price range. And it's even better when that inexpensive bottle delivers a decent wine experience. Such is the case with the Next 2006 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, which I picked up at Metropolitan Market for $19.

The Next Pinot Noir is one of a pair of high volume wines (the other a WA riesling) produced by King Estate out of Eugene, Oregon. Some designer worked hard to distinguish this wine with its brand, label and packaging.

For me, it was the price point and association with King Estate that prompted me to buy this wine. For others, it might be the quirky name (Next) or the back label prose (see photo below) that compels them to choose this novel bottle over others in a crowd of pinots. And to distinguish itself further, the wine is packaged in a Bordeaux, rather than Burgundy-style bottle.

Whatever one's motivation to purchase, the Next 2006 Pinot Noir offers a decent wine for your money. Granted, this is most likely a bulk wine creation, as there are no details provided on the label or online as to how this wine was crafted (please note: I stand corrected on this assertion, per Ed King's comments below). Nonetheless, it offers an accessible pinot noir for those who aren't ready to splurge on more expensive pinots from the Willamette Valley.

We paired this wine with a couple of grilled Eel River grass-fed beef tenderloin steaks, grilled fresh zucchini squash, and onion rings. On the eyes, the Next pinot had a clear, light red color in the glass. On the nose, the wine offered notes of raspberry, strawberry, and a bit of earthiness. In the mouth, the red berry fruits were evident with bright acidity, light tannins and a nice finish. Little, if any, oak was noticeable. This was a very food-friendly wine (13.5% alcohol) that Kari and I liked very much.

We would definitely buy a few more bottles of the Next 2006 Pinot Noir due its price point and quality. However, I am surprised that the folks at King Estate, who pride themselves on their organic farming practices (and resulting certification), are not more transparent about this wine. Bulk or not, all wine producers should offer consumers more details on where their grapes are sourced and how their wine is made.