2002 Dom Serene "Yamhill Cuvee" Willamette Valley ***

Amazingly fresh. Tasted blind, I fingered this for a Central California pinot noir - Sea Smoke or Ojai - something from the Santa Rita Hills. I've never had a Willamette Valley wine that was so fresh or lively, and this at six years of age. I sat there holding the cork in my hands wondering how this had stayed so young.

This is full, with lingering sweet ripe red fruits, plentiful tannin, and a big finish. Obviously, it has the architecture for aging another decade. $30 when purchased, this sells for $50 now. And reminds me that Oregon does in fact produce some profound pinor noir.