Rex Hill "Reserve" Pinot Noir Oregon 2004

Pale red.

Wonderful stem-inclusion aromas of garrigue, cinnamon and something floral. Savory meat and sauteed onion too.

Round and completely mouth-filling, but not sweet, as stem-derived, chewy, structure revs up on the mid-palate. But, like the Panther Creek, flavors ride through it all. Long finish here too, but stem spice/herbs predominate. Give this another 3-4 years also.

Very interesting contrast in structured Oregon Pinot. Panther seemingly more extracted (sans stems) and oak-influenced, this lighter, but stem-powered.

Day 3 - Open, expansive nose hasn't changed much. Beautiful. Showing some sweetness in the mouth now. Stem chew hits much later and more lightly. More tang on the finish, very long.

Day 5 - Cinnamon/garrigue/savory meat aromatic cadence now. Red raspberry emerges, finally. Even-keeled throughout. Superlative winemaking here. Stunningly good.

Buy it : 1-800-Rex-Hill

Gift - $45?