What a terrific wine the Dobbes 2007 Grande Assemblage Cuvée Pinot Noir is. In the glass, this Oregon pinot noir ($26) was a light ruby red delivering strawberry, raspberry, and cherry fruit to the nose along with hints of truffles, fennel, white pepper and dusty earth. I really enjoyed the red berry fruit flavors and balanced acidity that led to a lush and long silky finish. We paired the Dobbes pinot (13.5%) with grilled Jamaican jerk chicken thighs, fresh Washington asparagus, and steamed herb rice. This wine was a wonderful complement to our meal and one that I am...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This Oregon pinot gris was a light, greenish gold in the glass with hints of melon and a bit of spice on the nose. The Dobbes 2007 Pinot Gris (13.7%) was surprisingly flat, with muted fruit flavors, and an overall viscous, cloying mouthfeel. I would pass on buying this $16 wine again, for there are other Oregon pinot gris that offer better quality at this price point....

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:12 PM | Permalink

Wine by Joe is a terrific Oregon pinot noir for $15. This 2007 pinot was a clear, light ruby red in the glass, offering an enticing combination of red berry fruit, earth and hints of eucalyptus to the nose. Cherry fruit flavors predominated this wine, which provided good acidity leading to a nice, long finish. We opened the Wine by Joe 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir (13.5%) with friends during a dinner that featured Kari's rendition of French onion soup. Her inspiration for this dish comes from a simple recipe from Epicurious, which she adapts by using Gruyère cheese and...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:13 AM | Permalink