Westland Lane, Pinot Noir, 2007
I feel like we've been on a lucky streak lately when it comes to good Oregon Pinots for a good deal (meaning the quality is high for the cost). The Phelps Creek and Grochau Cellars are both outstanding. So here I am at Fred Meyers and I see a sign for this Pinot -- saying it's great Pinot for $13.99! And they posted another note quoting Katherine Cole
Westland that this is a "screaming deal". So apparently we're on a roll ... maybe.
The nose was really great: white pepper, some subtle clove, red cherry, and some earth y mushroom. But the body was really thin. The taste was a red cherry and strawberry mix. And there was a slight vanilla. But, again, it's just super thin. There's a slight sourness on the finish. And, well, I'll say it again: it's thin.
This really reminded me of a German Pinot Noir. Assuming I would have tasted this blind, I would bet I would think it was from Germany, not from Oregon. And in fact, looking at Katherine's columns, see also liked the J Christopher and Loosen "Two Worlds" Pinot -- one that I also didn't care for. So clearly this a question of style. Again, I liked the nose. And maybe if it was a hot summer day and this was slightly chilled, it would probably be tasty. But, it's just not my choice of style. Denise didn't care for it at all.
Cost:
Rating:
5.5