WTN: 2008 Torii Mor Pinot Noir

[Jenise]

This entry-level bottling was discounted locally by about half to $15 a bottle, and I bought two to sample some time back. We opened the first and found it light and tight. Okay, but on the money at $15 for domestic pinot. Seeking a lighter style red last Saturday night we opened the second bottle and found it unchanged. We drank a glass each and corked the remainder. Wednesday night I saw the bottle and suggested we finish or toss it. What a difference: it had deepened in every way and all for the better, even seeming richer and darker in color. It was certainly that in flavor: plum and black cherry in the nose, same on the palate with bit of forest notes, and a raspberry zing with mushrooms on the finish. Textbook Oregon pinot that should make it easily to 2013 if not beyond and a killer buy at $15, wish I could get more.

Welcome to wine and welcome to Pinot Noir particularly. I am constantly amazed about how little I apparently know about the evolution of Pinot. But I'm getting better. I've had Bourgogne that at first didn't seem to hold any promise, but after a year or so they blossomed into 88-89 point beauties. The decant is a big help, and I feel like it might equal a year's bottle aging. For example, the Bouchard Pere & Fils '07 Bourgogne is drinking nicely now and is worth a try if you can find it. We will be into the '08's soon, but I just snagged a case of the Rouge. The Latour '07 Bourgogne is also moved into a nice place. also worth a look for everyday wine.

I hope you particularly enjoyed smelling the wine, Jenise!!

The entry level 2008s from good Oregon producers can really be great QPRs, especially when discounted.