For a study in contrasts, we decided to open the Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir (13%) alongside a 2006 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (14.5%) from the same producer. I purchased the '07 at retail for $24, while the '06 was provided as a free sample from the winery.

Before getting into comparative tasting notes, it's worth calling out the terrific way in which Willamette Valley Vineyards connects their customers to the people and places behind their wines. I called this out in a previous post and want to highlight this distinguishing factor again. Simply put, there are few wineries that go to the extent that WWV does in terms of offering details on bottle labels and online fact sheets. These folks have clearly distinguished themselves in this regard.

Back to the wines, my wife and I found the 2006 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir nearly undrinkable next to the 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley. In the glass, the '06 was a deep garnet color with jammy, alcoholic fruit notes combined with hints of currants and blackberry. The alcohol in this poorly integrated wine overwhelmed everything on the palate, which finished in a heated fury.

On the other hand, the 2007 was a clear, light ruby red in the glass, offering strawberry and raspberry fruit notes with hints of earth, mint, and eucalyptus. The red berry fruit was a bit fleeting on the palate, with decent acidity, although the finish dropped off quickly. The 2007 was a decent Oregon pinot noir, with it showing much better next to the 2006.

We paired these wines with a traditional Beef Bourguignon dish Kari crafted, which was a delightful meal, especially during this cold, rainy week we've been experiencing in Seattle. Too bad our study in contrasts resulted in neither wine really bringing this meal to life.

It's clear 2006 was a very challenging year for Willamette Valley Vineyards. Things seem to work in their favor in 2007, but even still, it's not a wine I feel compelled to buy again relative to the other choices out there.

Related Links
Nate's Inexpensive Wine Reviews
Willamette Valley Vineyards Web Site
2007 Fact Sheet