2003 Belle Vallé Pinot Noir Port

18.0% alc., 330 cases, $38. The Pinot Noir is picked very ripe and fortified with Willamette Valley Pinot Noir brandy that has been barrel-aged for three years. A labor-intensive wine requiring a lot of skill. Pinot Noir shows well in this style of spirit with its fruity character complementing the brandy. · A sipping wine to ponder. It is a bit nutty, with some caramel, nutmeg, raisin and chocolate-covered cherry flavors. A treat that is very distinctive. Reviewed August 14, 2006

Winery: Belle Vallée Cellars