In the glass, the Phelps Creek 2007 "Le Petit" Pinot Noir Columbia Gorge (13.5%) was a ruby red with a slight brickish orange hue on the edge. This suggested the wine might have suffered from a bit of oxidation, possibly due to its screw-top closure becoming compromised.

On the nose, there was some fruit but overall it smelled the way a lot of cheap pinot noir does that is grown in areas unsuitable to the task. This signature smell was predominant in the flavors on the palate, which included a metallic taste that led to a sour finish and a cloying after taste.

The back label suggests chilling the wine, which might have helped tone down or hide the off-putting smells and flavors I experienced. That said, my wife wasn't so put off by the Phelps Creek ($17), for she enjoyed a glass without complaint. As such, I don't believe this was a bad bottle, just a matter of subjective taste preference. She finished her glass, while mine and the rest of the bottle went down the drain. Life's too short as they say...

Related Links
Decanterberry Tales Review
Phelps Creek Vineyards Web Site