I get it now. Oregon Pinot is capable of greatness. This is a first class Pinot and has aged like a good Burgundy.
Archery Summit Pinot Noir Premier Cuvee Oregon 1996
Earthy, mushroom-humus scents and the heavenly leftovers of the toasted oak from 11 years ago remain in the glass. This is one of those wines where you wonder how the winemakers knew the right mix of old and new oak, and how long to keep the wine in it before bottling.
And this was only the 2nd year of the winery's existence. Find it, buy it, and drink up.
I served this beauty with mustard-coasted salmon with French green lentils and roasted garlic jus from a Balthazar recipe which was a perfect pairing. I also made something from the new Tyler Florence's Tyler's Ultimate book –herbed goat cheese in little toasted baguette cups made in a muffin tin --very nice . I know, you want to hate him, but he has both a palate and restaurant savvy and experience which makes him quite a fine chef (just ignore his on-screen persona and try his dishes).