A unique expression of Oregon pinot noir, the Patricia Green 2007 Four Winds Pinot Noir McMinnville (12.5%) is a captivating wine, in that its modest, elegant approach kept me returning to the glass to try to discern the various smells and flavors with each swirl and sip.

Some may not like this approach, but I find this is what makes wine enjoyable. The more searching a wine requires, while still revealing itself gradually in return, the more engaged I become with every glass. This test of the senses is much preferred over wines that present smells and flavors that are immediately recognizable, if not quickly fleeting.

I much prefer Patricia Green's '07 Four Winds over her '07 Reserve. The Four Winds was a bit more cloudy in the glass, relative to the Reserve, and was much more modest, if not austere, in its presentation of red berry fruits. What characterized this wine the most were earthy notes and flavors, which were never overbearing, but present enough to give it a unique character.

Admittedly, there were more flavors to this wine that I could not put my finger on, which is a a good reason to buy more. And at a $29 price point, I plan to buy several more bottles, if not a half case or more, and set it back for a few years. It is one of the standout wines of the 2007 vintage that I have tried thus far, and one that is clearly destined to be served again at my dinner table.

Related Links
Patricia Green Tasting Notes