Montinore Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2008

We decided to break open something from the older stash in celebration of a new job - perfectly justifiable. This is what made it to the glass: The Montinore Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2008. This wine is made with biodynamic grapes, which I'm sure contributes to its mysterious and unusual nature. I wasn't planning on writing but changed my mind when I was seduced by the aromas of something we could only call strawberry jam smeared on saddle leather. It's on the sweet side, but the oaky underpinnings draw me in. Bright acidity carries fresh strawberry and deeper plum notes, evens out with a mid-palate of soft oak, and rides into the sunset with cherry-bark. Totally glass-friendly, but should pair nicely with pork that features a cherry reduction sauce. Seriously enjoyable!