The 2006 Pinot Noir Bryan Creek Vineyard is even larger-scaled. It is dark ruby verging on purple in color with the aromatics falling on the dark fruit side of the spectrum including black cherry, blueberry, and brambly raspberries. This is followed by a layered, sweetly-fruited wine with gobs of savory, spicy fruit, lots of minerality, and a long, rich finish. Give it 2-3 years of further cellaring and drink it from 2011 to 2019.
Adelsheim Vineyard, founded in 1971, continues to be a benchmark winery under the stewardship of David Adelsheim. The winery makes a full range of excellent white wines offered at very fair prices but the focus remains Pinot Noir. The 2006 vintage ranks as one of the best for Adelsheim and the 2007s are exceptionally promising.
Tel. (503) 538-3652; www.adelsheim.com