This 2007 Oregon pinot noir was a very elegant, evolving wine. In the glass, the Panther Creek 2007 Pinot Noir Winemakers Cuvee Willamette Valley (13.2%) was a clear, medium ruby red color with muted notes of strawberry and red cherry fruit followed by hints of earth and flint. On the palate, there were modest red berry fruit flavors, mostly strawberry and cherry, with bright acidity and a nice finish.

We paired the Panther Creek pinot with a grilled filet of Arctic char which Kari placed on a bed of lentils that had been cooked with garlic and onions. On top of the fish, there was a beautiful medley of fresh yellow/orange/red cherry tomatoes sliced and dressed in oil, vinegar, chopped basil. With wild salmon in short supply this year, Arctic char has become our alternative choice, offering a much more inexpensive, yet incredibly flavorful fresh fish.

I am not only smitten with grilled Arctic char, but am also taken with the Panther Creek 2007 Winemaker's Cuvee. At $32, this wine needed to deliver considering how good it's more inexpensive peers are from this vintage. Deliver it did not only on its first night of being opened, but also for its 2nd and 3rd nights of tasting. It's a good sign when a wine can hold up that well and not show any fall off in flavor - in fact, it got better with each night. This is one to stock up on.

Related Links
Panther Creek Tasting Notes
Oregon Live Feature on Panther Creek 2007 Wines