Best Case Scenario – From Blockbuster to Beauty: the Evolving Style of Oregon Pinot Noir

Best Case Scenario 

Just recently, a case of Oregon Pinot Noir arrived at my front door. Being the Oregon Pinot Noir fanatic that I am, I was thrilled to know I’d soon be sampling and reviewing a case of wine that is, in my humble opinion, most certainly the Best Case Scenario.

12 Pinot Noirs from 12 different Oregon wineries: Brandborg, Brooks Winery, Montinore Estate, Atticus, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Johan Vineyards. Amity Vineyards, Amalie Robert, King’s Ridge, Firesteed, Carabella and Patton Valley. You can only imagine the smile on my face when opening the box to discover a case of beloved Pinot Noir.

Best Case Scenario is the collaboration of Portland’s PR company, Watershed Communications, and participating wineries around the state of Oregon. A case of wine with a common theme will be sent to me twice a year. Every two weeks, on Sunday, I’ll pop the cork on one of the bottles from the case. I’ll not only review the wines, but I’ll be sharing information on each of the wineries; including, locations, quotes from the winemakers, winemaking philosophies and, of course, the quintessential wine-geek information. I’ll focus on this particular wine for two whole weeks, and I would absolutely love it if other enthusiasts would become involved by picking up a bottle and joining in on the conversation. After all, it’s no fun to drink alone!

The theme of the first case that I received is, “From Blockbuster to Beauty: The Evolving Style of Oregon Pinot Noir.”  An information sheet on the theme was included inside the box:

A conversation is happening that is as lively and fresh as the wines being
discussed. Writers, critics, soms, and stewards are featuring wines, usually red,
often Pinot noir, that are “elegant, vivacious, harmonious, bright, balanced,
energetic, pretty”…and under 14% alcohol.

For many, this is simply validation of a philosophy clung to through years of big
scores, blockbuster wines, and opulent consumer tastes. For others, it’s
recognition of the value in nuance, expression of land and fruit, and the role of
wine at the dinner table. Still, much of the lexicon is still considered taboo –
words like “light”, “low alcohol”, even “food-friendly” or even “subtle” are
eschewed by winemakers for fear of their wines being associated with such
descriptors as watery, thin, underdeveloped, or flavorless.

But we think something really exciting is happening here – a renaissance of style
and appreciation of nuance, and a celebration of wine that tastes great with
food – and makes your food taste better. We’ve put together a mixed case of
Oregon Pinot Noir to illustrate this movement. 

I’ll be tweeting about all of these wines on Twitter, and I’ll be using the hashtag #BestCaseScenario.