2007 Phelps Creek Vineyards Cuvée Alexandrine Columbia Gorge Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $40. French vigneron Alexandrine Roy comes from Gevrey- Chambertain to craft this wine at Phelps Creek Vineyards in Hood River, Oregon. · Initially the nose and flavors are dominated by oak-derived notes of toast, dark caramel, toasted marshmallow, dark chocolate and toast. There is a beautiful and ripe deep red fruit core underlying the oak blanket. Tasted later in the day from a bottle opened in the morning, the wine had changed dramatically with the oak influence receding and charming fruit aromas and flavors rising to the forefront. This wine will definitely benefit from cellaring to allow further integration of the oak. If you open a bottle now, decant it for several hours before drinking. Very good. Reviewed June 22, 2010

Winery: Phelps Creek Vineyards
From article: More Sips of Noiregon Pinot