Drink Now: ’08 Reustle Prayer Rock Pinot Noir

2008 was an excellent year in Oregon for Pinot Noirs, a year that’s been revered by critics around the world.

Wine Spectator Magazine stated that the 2008 vintage was Oregon’s best ever and gave the highest ever rating  from that magazine: 97 points.

Eric Asimov, a wine critic for the New York Times, labeled the 2008 vintage for Oregon Pinot Noir as superb, he said, “They (’08 Oregon Pinot Noirs) will reward in 10 years or so of aging, but many of them will still give a great deal of pleasure now.”

I think it’s safe to say critics were most likely basing their reviews on Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs, but after trying several 2008 Pinot Noirs on a recent visit to the Umpqua Valley, I’m convinced my neighbors to the south had an equally impressive year.

Like Asimov said, many of the 2008 vintage Oregon Pinot Noirs have the ability to age for 10 years or more, and although the ’08 Reustle Prayer Rock Pinot Noir has aged just 4 years, it is drinking absolutely beautifully right now.

Garnet in color with aromas of black cherry and ripe dark fruit lead to bright fruit-forward flavors of  plum, blackberry, earth and a little spice. A silky mouthfeel, which I love to find in Pinots, ends with well balanced acidity and solid tannins. The finish is my favorite part of this wine-it’s silky, a little spicy and it lingers for a long time.

Because there’s a pretty good depth of character, this does have the potential to age nicely. But, I see no reason for it. As Asimov said, “…many of them will give a great deal of pleasure now,” and this is one of those Pinots.

I say, “drink the 2008 Reustle Prayer Rock Pinot Noir now and enjoy every sip of it.”