Savouring an Oregon Pinot NoiR

There's something special about Sunday evenings, the perfect time for a sit down and a bit of indulgence. For me, it's the best time to open a bottle of something special, and this week, we were fortunate enough to enjoy an elegant Pinot Noir from the Dundee Hills region in Oregon, USA.

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon’s wine country is a hidden gem renowned for its exquisite Pinot Noir. Among its celebrated regions, the Dundee Hills stand out, producing some of the most elegant and expressive Pinot Noir wines in the world. This week, we savored the 2019 Pinot Noir from Sokol Blosser, courtesy of The Good Wine Shop, Chiswick, and it certainly fit the bill!

The Dundee Hills region is distinguished by its unique red volcanic Jory soils and cool climate, which together provide the ideal environment for the temperamental Pinot Noir grapes to thrive. The result? Vibrant flavours and a complexity that that constantly evolves with each swig.

Expect a symphony of flavours with this Pinot Noir—ripe cherries, wild strawberries, earthy mushrooms, and a hint of spice. The balance and finesse of this wine make it a perfect pairing for a variety of dishes. This Sunday, we enjoyed it with venison haunch and a Middle-Eastern inspired warm salad of roasted vegetables and haricot beans. The combination was nothing short of sublime, with the wine's bright acidity and silky tannins complementing the rich, savoury flavors of our meal.

As a big fan of Oregon Pinot Noir, I'm always on the lookout for new recommendations. Have you discovered any standout bottles from this region? Let me know your favouites!