Grapelive Daily Pick

By Kerry Winslow

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andrewrich06.gif2006 Andrew Rich Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, Oregon.
This wine delivers Burgundy like flavors and texture, while showing its own terroir and rich fruit with touches of barnyard and briar. The nose is deep with earthy and perfume notes that meld nicely before a full palate of plums, blackberry, currants and a solid cherry core. Oregon is reacting fast to the new economy and this wine is a wonderful value these days and blows away any Burgundy in this price class and takes on most of the Californians in this range too, I think two years ago this wine would have easily sold in the $40-45 region, and I bought this bottle for about $30, so apart from Melville and Alfaro Family from California, I’d be hard pressed to think of a better wine for the money. Years back I used to see their sweet wine, but I can’t remember having their Pinot before, and that is a shame, as it is very good. The palate is rich and lush with deep flavors and mineral notes with a long finish that makes you want more no question. This wine has a touch of Nuit-St.-George soul and pure Willamette Valley pleasure. ($30-33 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive

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