'07 Vista Hills Pinots Scored

Dr. Jay Miller of Robert Parker's renowned Wine Advocate has rated several of our 2007 Pinot Noirs. We were proud of the wines before he tasted and flattered afterwards, especially in light of the skepticism thrown at the 2007 vintage in Oregon in general. The judged wines are as follows:

2007 Tusculum Estate Pinot Noir - 91 Points

"Medium crimson-colored, it offers up a complex aromatic array of sandalwood, spice box, incense, cherry, and raspberry. Friendly, feminine, and elegant on the palate, this spicy, savory, lively Pinot is impeccably balanced... "

2007 Piedmont Estate Pinot Noir - 90 Points

"...has the lively acidity of the vintage nicely framed by layered, sweet cherry and raspberry fruit."

2007 Rollins Estate Pinot Noir - 90 Points

"...offers a lovely bouquet of wood smoke, spice box, floral notes, and assorted red fruits. Round, velvety-textured and intense, it has plenty of savory fruit, a vibrant palate-feel, and excellent length."

2007 Saga Hills Reserve Pinot Noir - 87 Points

"...medium ruby-colored with an attractive nose of cedar, cinnamon, allspice, rose petals, and cherry. Medium-bodied on the palate, it offers sweet red fruits, plenty of spice, modest structure, and lively acidity."

Of the vintage, Miller writes: "These [weather] conditions made it difficult to make great wine but there are many excellent wines that are characterized by their elegance, spicy aromatics, savory red fruits, and balance."

The Wine Enthusiast also tasted many of our 2007 Pinots. The scores will be printed in this year's Buying Guide, available in print in December. Here's what they thought:

2006 Saga Hills Reserve Pinot Noir - 92 Points (SOLD OUT)

"This is a sturdy, earthy, firmly compact wine with a spine of steel."

2007 Saga Hills Reserve Pinot Noir - 90 Points

"All of the 2007 Pinots from Vista Hills have the restaint and elegance to reveal some added dimensions. This runs the gamut from watermelon to raspberry to black cherry, with excellent concentration and depth."

2007 Tusculum Estate Pinot Noir - 89 Points

"...front-loaded with strawberry and cherry fruit, open and spicy with peppery cola and root beer notes."

2007 Marylhurst Estate Pinot Noir - 89 Points

"This intriguing Pinot Noir mixes spices with tart cranberry fruit, then shows some barrel time with toast and vanilla layers taking over through the finish."

2007 Treehouse Pinot Noir - 88 Points

"It puts the emphasis on aroma and finesse, and keeps the wine graceful and delicate. Rhubarb, strawberry and pie cherry fruit is dappled with fresh herbs. Lovely balance throughout."

2007 Treehouse Pinot Gris - 90 Points (SOLD OUT)

"Oregon Pinot Gris doesn't get more fresh and refreshing than this zippy number...food-friendly, with elegant and light herbal notes across fresh apple and pear."

2007 Flagler Pinot Gris - 90 Points

"It's spicy and strong, crisp and clean - just right for a pesto dish."