Wine Spectator's "Insider" newsletter from May 19th features some of the first reviews of Oregon's ideal 2008 vintage Pinot noirs.

There's no editorializing necessary. Grab these while you can - the Elk Cove and Penner Ash, in particular, will sell out very quickly.

And check out our list of 2008 Pinots that tend to fly under the radar screen of most international wine critics. We recommend them highly.

Elk Cove
Mount Richmond
Pinot noir 08 $44.94

$40.45

any 12 bottles

See all Elk Cove Wines

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94 POINTS
WINE SPECTATOR INSIDER
HOT WINE
May 19, 2010

"Smooth and silky, delivering a root beer-like sassafras and anise character weaving through the blackberry, cherry, and spice flavors with transparency and vibrancy. Picks up some cream and tobacco as the finish lingers. Best from 2012 through 2018." - H.S.

VERY limited.

Penner-Ash
Shea Vineyard
Pinot noir 08 $54.95

$49.45

any 12 bottles

See all Penner-Ash wines

94 POINTS
WINE SPECTATOR INSIDER
May 19, 2010

"Ripe, round and complex, delivering black cherry, currant and plum flavors layered with flashes of wet granite, slate and white pepper, which add extra sparkle on the intense, but not dense, structure. Seductive stuff. Drink now through 2018." H.S.

VERY limited.

Et Fille
Kalita Vineyard
Pinot noir 08 $ 37.95
$34.16

any 12 bottles

See all Et Fille wines

92 POINTS
WINE SPECTATOR INSIDER
May 20, 2010

"Light in texture, intense in flavor, with a candied edge to the raspberry, apricot and orange peel notes that sail through the long and vivid finish. Tannins don't get in the way. Drink now through 2018." - H.S.

Shea Wine Cellars
Estate Pinot noir 08 $39.95

$35.96

any 12 bottles

See all Shea Wines

93 POINTS
WINE SPECTATOR

"Roses, berries, cherries and violets mingle in an intoxicating perfume. Delightful, sweet black raspberry and black cherry flavors are joined a moment later by incense, smoke, and spice. A succulent, lengthy finish adds to this deeply satisfying Pinot that will evolve and offer years of pleasure." - H.S.

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The Shea Estate is a blend from multiple sections of Shea Vineyard, showcasing the diversity of the vineyard.

2008 Oregon Pinot noirs

Flying Under Wine Spectator's Radar

Roots
Estate Pinot noir 08 $27.94

$25.15 any 12 bottles

The flagship Roots Pinot... drips with licorice, rose... Read More

Roots
Cherry Grove Pinot noir 08 $27.94

$25.15 any 12 bottles

Packed with pints of cherries that have just been made into a tart... Read More

Roots
Apolloni Vineyard Pinot noir 08 $27.94

$25.15 any 12 bottles

Man, this is tasty. The creamiest, most full-bodied... Read More

Roots
Leroy Vineyard Pinot noir 08 $27.94

$25.15 any 12 bottles

Unique and lasting. Intriguing, beautiful incense... Read More

Arterberry Maresh
Pinot noir Dundee Hills 08 $24.94

$22.45 any 12 bottles

Forward, juicy and earthy... Read More

Arterberry Maresh
Juliard Vineyard Pinot noir 08 $49.94
$44.95 any 12 bottles

...bursting with dark fruit goodness. The complex nose... Read More

Westrey
Abbey Ridge Vineyard
Pinot noir 08 $35.95

$32.36 any 12 bottles

See all Westrey Wines

Drop dead sexy. Like Pavlov's dog, the bell rings, the wine is poured, we salivate. Raspberry pie from the oven, fresh cherries from the market. A magical sweet earth note. This is gorgeous stuff....read more

Westrey
Oracle Vineyard
Pinot noir 08 $24.95

$22.45any 12 bottles

See all Westrey Wines

An Oregon 2008, old-vine, Dundee Hills Pinot for $25?! The answer lies with the Oracle: Westrey Wines stunning estate-grown Pinot noir. Super-balanced dark berries and cherries come together with lavender,...read more

Read our

May Avalon Wine Newsletter

New wines, reviews, news, sale wines

Get to Know the Best Oregon Pinot noirs

Sign up for our Reserve Pinot Noir Wine Club now - only $80/month! It's a great way to sample the amazing 2008 Pinots and stock your cellar. Re-order Club wines for 15% off.

We sort through the new wines and new labels to find the most compelling wines for the Club. Many of our Club selections receive high ratings after you discover them in your shipment. Choose from three great clubs:

Oregon Reserve Pinot Noir Club

Northwest Big Reds Club

Northwest new Discoveries Club

If you were following us
on Twitter or Facebook,
you'd already have seen:

All the Wine Spectator scores
from May 19th

Jared and Mikey Etzel's
Horsetail Pinot noir 08 arrival

Arterberry Maresh's Great Value,
Under $25 Dundee Hills 08 review

John Abbott's Abeja Cab 07 release

AvalonWine.com:
The most comprehensive selection
of Oregon's 2008 Pinot noirs

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New on the Avalon Wine Blog

 

for 5-21-10

Arterberry's Monikers
John Abbott's a Younger Oldster in Walla Walla
Second Generation Winemakers
Brick House - new 2008's - Boulder Block!
David' O'Reilly on 2009 vintage
Thomas 03 with friends at The Rabbit
O'Reilly's 2009 Pinot noir $14.80 (any 12)!!
Wine Review - Terrapin Cellars Pinot noir 08
The new wines of Dominique LaFon and Evening Land Vineyards

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Recent Avalon Wine Newsletters
and Articles

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de Lancellotti Pinot noir 08 Reviewed

Dusky Goose Rambouillet Pinot noir 08 Reviewed

Evening Land Vineyards 2008
Eola-Amity Seven Springs Pinot noir, La Source Chardonnay

Shea Wine Cellars 2008 Pinot noirs - Homer, Block 31, Estate

Angel Vine - $20 Washington Big Zins

Ayoub 2008 Pinot noir - Antica Terra's 08 Pinot, Botanica

Bergstrom 2008 Pinots noir - Shea Vineyard, Enchanting de Lancellotti