What a terrific Oregon pinot noir for $20.

The Matello 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley (13.3%) was a cloudy, ruby red in the glass with notes of strawberry and hints of earth and menthol delivered to the nose. Flavors of bright cherry fruit with balanced acidity led to a very nice, silky finish.

I found this wine represents much of what I like about the 2007 vintage. And it's even better considering its quality/price ratio. We paired the Matello with a homemade chicken pot pie, a dish our neighbor crafted for us on the spur of the moment.

I wholeheartedly agree with Vincent's assessment of this wine over at Élevage, who recently sampled a variety of Matello wines.