Touting Territorial’s Tantalizing Pinot Noirs

Each Thursday and Friday, Territorial Vineyards and Wine Company offers live music in their cozy wine bar located in the funky Whitaker neighborhood of Eugene. So when this last Friday arrived, we headed to Territorial to enjoy the best of both worlds: locally grown and produced wine and a musical performance by the well known Fiddlin’ Sue Band.

We slid into the last two available seats at the bar, and we sampled several of their Pinot Noirs.  Hoping for a sample of the highly acclaimed 2006 Capital T Reserve Pinot Noir, we noticed they were sold out, so the ’08 Stone’s Throw was the bottle that the bartender popped the cork on for us.

The ’08 Stone’s Throw aromas were a blend of dark cherries, blackberries and pie spice. Robust flavors of black currants and ripe cherries led to awesome gripping tannins. Gripping tannins indicate a wines aging potential, and I’ll bet this Pinot could be cellared for years to come. With only 250 cases produced, there’s no better time than now to stock up on this palatable Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.

When the live music was over at Territorial, we decided to get a late night snack at one of  Eugene’s very few late night excellent food establishments, Red Agave Restaurant and Cantina. We arrived during a busy time, and again, we were lucky to get the last two seats at the bar. We browsed the wine list before ordering food, ironically, Red Agave had the 2006 Territorial Capital T Reserve Pinot Noir that we had hoped to drink at Territorial! We, of course, ordered a bottle and I was silently thrilled when the bartender grabbed two burgundy glasses from the stemware rack – I’m a firm believer that Oregon Pinot Noir should always be enjoyed from the proper glass.

'06 Territorial Capital T Reserve Pinot Noir

Darker in color than your typical light bodied Pinot Noir, Capital T displayed intense and enticing aromas of red raspberry, cherry and vanilla. Layers of blackberry and strawberry flowed seamlessly with vanilla and earth, and the silky, smooth mouth feel was altogether unforgettable. Territorial’s 2006 Capital T Reserve Pinot Noir is wholly one of the best Pinot Noirs I’ve ever had. Don’t waste time getting to Red Agave to get a bottle of this gem, there aren’t too many left.

~Red Agave Restaurant and Cantina is open 7 days a week, at least until 11 pm Monday through Thursday, and at least until midnight on Friday and Saturday. 454 Willamette Street, Eugene.

~Territorial Vineyards & Wine Company is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 5 pm with live music starting around 7 pm on Thursday and Friday. 907 W. Third Ave., Eugene.