Cristom Mt Jefferson Pinot Noir 2008, Williamette Valley, OR, USA. 14% abv, cork.
A pale dull-purple colour, showing the "appropriate" lightness of more traditional Pinot Noir.
The nose shows wild red cherry - of a kind in an old forgotten garden let loose. The fruit has a sweet-sour sense that's attractive. Savoury, gently spiced, with suggestions of wood and whole bunches; and, with time (oxygen exposure), dry brown leaves and a hint of wind-blown dusty-type earth.
The palate is light and well balanced, with refreshing acidity and slightly grainy tannins.
It could be longer, it could show the peacock's tail of great Pinot, it could have more silken textured tannins; but it's savoury, it has Pinosity, balance and lightness... it's why (as a generalisation), after Burgundy, I perhaps enjoy CA/OR Pinot more than Pinot from any other country.
