Earlier this year, I started seeing an increasing number of newly released 2007 Oregon pinot noirs at local wine stores and grocers. After amassing a mixed case and a half of these wines, I decided to embark on a tasting experience that would entail opening a single bottle over the course of 18 separate dinners.

This experience and the resulting recommendations of wines I would want to drink again became "Round 1".

As more Oregon pinot noir from the 2007 vintage entered the retail channel, I found myself eager to sample more of these wines, thus creating a "Round 2". After opening and experiencing another 19 wines with an equal number of dinners, I am now ready to share my recommendations.

Before doing so, it is important to call out my preference in pinot noir, for with any review of wine, it's all subjective. My palate has a bias toward modest fruit, balanced acidity, and low alcohol when it comes to drinking Oregon pinot noir.

It's also worth noting that there were a number of wines in Round 2 that just didn't meet the quality bar, regardless of preference in winemaking style. In Round 1, I was able to suggest to those seeking a fuller, riper Oregon pinot noir to consider the wines I passed on, but that's not the case here.

For a more detailed review of each wine, please click on any link below.

Wines I Will Stock Up On
Biggio Hamina 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (12.5%) - $24
lllahe 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) - $22
Panther Creek 2007 Pinot Noir Winemaker's Cuvee (13.2%) - $32
Wine by Joe 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir (13.5%) - $15

Wines I Will Buy Again
Adelsheim 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (12.8%) - $30
Brooks 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (12.4%) - $25
WillaKenzie 2007 Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.8%) - $24

Wines I Will Pass On
Big Fire 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir (13.55%) - $24
Eola Hills 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir (13.6%) - $16
Foris 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir (13.4%) - $17
Jezebel 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir (13.0%) - $21
O'Reilly's 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir (13.0%) - $19
Patricia Green Cellars 2007 Eason Vineyard Pinot Noir (13.5%) - $30
Ponzi 2007 Pinot Noir Tavola Willamette Valley (13.0%) - $25
Purple Hands 2007 Oregon Red Wine (13.5%) - $20
Red Door Cellars 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.5%) - $19
Sharecropper's 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir (13.0%) - $25
Silvan Ridge 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir (13.5%) - $19
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir WV (13.0%) - $24

One important final note: if any of these wines appeal to you, then please consider buying direct from the winery.