Wine: 2008 Expression 44 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills
Region: Oregon
Sokolin Price: $28.99
Rating: 92 WS
As the 2010 Bordeaux futures campaign is ramping up, we decided to make a quick jump over to the US before we return to writing about Bordeaux wines. A lot of noteworthy wine action is always developing in the US, and the domestic wine market continues to grow at many levels, including our rate of consumption according to an article Decanter magazine recently published. The article stated, "The US overtook France to become the world's biggest wine-consuming nation in 2010." We find this fact just plain fascinating. To overtake a heavyweight like France, where wine is so deeply rooted in the culture, is simply astonishing.
The consumption of Pinot Noir still seems to be on the rise in the US. It seems that more and more consumers favor this grape since it is typically lighter, softer and not as full bodied as other grape varietals that can really coat your palate, or as we call it a "fruit bomb". Pinot Noir is also a very tough grape to grow and does best in cooler climates, which is why Oregon is known for its superb pinot noirs.
Last week, we couldn't resist the urge to try the 2008 Expression 44° Pinot Noir from Oregon. Across the board, 2008 was an outstanding vintage for Oregon, and with a score of 92 points from Wine Spectator, we knew the Expression 44° would be a special wine. And it was. With its soft and silky texture, this wine had flavors of earth combined with loads of strawberries, raspberries and flowers. It was a very inviting and alluring wine that had noticeable finish and length to it. To complement its earthy flavors, we paired this wine with a penne paste sautéed in garlic and a dash of truffle olive oil and tossed in some mushrooms.
This wine actually takes its name from the vineyard's latitude. Expression also produces other wines in CA that too are named after the vineyard's latitude. They are reasonably priced wines that come with good points to price ratio and are in stock and ready to ship.
Our Recommendation: If you are just getting into wine or haven't jumped on the pinot noir bandwagon, trying any of the Expression wines would make a good place to start. This bottle also makes for a great spring house wine.
Our Score - 93 points.