What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD)

After enjoying a bottle of Cooper Mountain's 2003 Reserve Pinot Noir (13.5%) last March, I was excited to get my hands on another bottle, this time the 2006 vintage, which I purchased at retail for $23. We paired this Oregon pinot noir with a combination pizza comprised of ham, mushrooms, tomatoes on one half, and prosciutto, goat cheese, tomatoes, basil, mushrooms on the other. It ended up being a great combination of food and wine, with the flavors of the pizza being brought to life by the Cooper Mountain pinot.

As I mentioned in my previous post on Cooper Mountain Vineyards, this is focused on sustainability and is certified as both an organic and biodynamic winery. Not only do their wines taste good, but you feel good knowing that the farming and winemaking practices going into each bottle are respectful of the environment. You can learn more about Cooper Mountain Vineyard's approach by visiting their web site, which offers some great video introductions from the people working there.

On the eyes, this reserve pinot noir was a dark yet translucent garnet red color. On the nose, the Cooper Mountain offered red berry fruit notes such as strawberry and raspberry, with a hint of herbs. On the palate, the 2006 was a modest yet elegant wine providing the same red berry fruit flavors, bright acidity, smooth tannins, and a long finish.

Overall, it was a delightful wine to taste, especially as it evolved in the glass with each new pour from the bottle. However, on the second night we tried it, a new profile emerged, with flavors of clove, eucalyptus, and menthol becoming predominant on the palate. Unfortunately, the long finish that was apparent the night before, seemed to drop off a bit. It may be that this wine needs more time in the bottle, in order to mature nicely as did its older sibling, the 2003 vintage.

Even still, Kari and I enjoyed this wine for both its modest approach and its evolving nature. As such, I would definitely pick up another bottle to enjoy later. And I am looking forward to trying the '07 and '08 vintages from Cooper Mountain Vineyards, for this is a producer that offers Oregon pinot noir in a style we really appreciate. These are wines are not only best when paired with food, but also whenever a long, slow dinner can be enjoyed.

Whether time in the bottle or in the glass, Cooper Mountain Vineyards reserve pinot noir is a testament to delayed gratification.

Related Links
Cooper Mountain Vineyards Tasting Notes
The Wine Commentator's Review
PinotFile Review