William Hatcher, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir, 2005
I purchased this bottle to accompany a Chassagne-Montrachet (see the other review) for a dinner. But which bottle first? The Oregon Pinot would have more body. But the wine shop recommended that this bottle precede the Montrachet because the Montrachet would be more complex (despite the lighter-body) than this William Hatcher.
The nose has strawberry, and a variety of spice: cinnamon, paprika, smoke, and tobacco. Strawberry returns in the taste, along with raspberry, red cherry, and apple. You can also taste the vanilla of the oak (but not overly so) and black pepper. Definitely a jammy Oregon style made even more evident when we followed this up with the Montrachet.
The wine was pretty tight when we first opened it. It was even a bit sour. But after about 20 minutes, this was very enjoyable and yummy.
Cost:
Rating:
8.0