What’s In My Glass Today?

Sunshine. That’s what was in my world today, but what was in my glass? The delicious 2009 Sarver Elhanan Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir.

Yes, I wrote about the blue skies and warm air yesterday, of course I did, it was February 3rd in Eugene, Oregon, and I actually got a little sun burned while I was enjoying the outdoors! But, today was the second full day of sunny skies in the Willamette Valley, and one of the best places in the Willamette Valley to enjoy a beautiful sunny day is at the one and only Sarver Winery.

Sarver Winery is a boutique winery and vineyard set within the southern Willamette Valley just south of Eugene, Oregon. Sarver Winery’s cottage style tasting room is perched on a hill that has an unparalleled view of the Cascade Mountain Range, and on a beautiful winter day like today, the unobstructed view of snow capped Three Sisters is visibly stunning and beautiful.

Before setting up camp at an outdoor table in the sun, I sampled just two Sarver wines-the 2006 Cuvee which is a blend of Syrah, Malbec and Dolcetto, and the 2009 Estate Pinot Noir Select.

• The Cuvee’s aromas were fruity and woodsy with a hint of vanilla and cedar, and was incredibly jammy and meaty on the palate. It was absolutely bold and lively.
• The 2009 Estate Pinot Noir Select was light in color and body, and although the gripping tannins were delightfully unexpected, the bright cherry and raspberry fruit flavors were delicious.

Both of the samples were totally gratrifying, but the ’09 Estate Pinot Noir (not the Select) was the wine that captured my attention. There wasn’t a bottle open for sampling, so I was forced to reminisce about my first sample during the 2011 Barrel Tour. I remembered that I was very, very impressed, so I inevitably decided to order a bottle on a simple hunch that with a little age, it would be that sort of Pinot I totally love-and lately, many of the 2009 Oregon Pinot Noirs have been phenomenal.

• The ’09 Estate Pinot Noir did not disappoint me and was totally stellar! Violets and blackberries on the nose lead to fruit forward characters of blackberry and blueberry that flowed seamlessly into a lingering pie spice finish. The earthiness that I love in Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs was perfectly showcased…and I absolutely loved it.

February 4, 2012 was awesome. Not only did I relish in sipping an excellent Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, but this delicious wine was enjoyed outdoors on a beautiful sunshiny winter day in February, with very good friends. Life is good.