WineLife365

Certified Sustainable:  Yes! 
Salmon Safe:  No Way! 

This is the second bottle that I’ve had the pleasure of sampling from the folks at Willamette Valley Vineyards (WVV), and I must say:  There ain’t no salmon gonna be safe with this tasty “salmon wine” sitting on the dining room table!  The 2007 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Tualatin Estate Vineyards’ Pinot Noir possesses very good fruit flavors of crushed cherries, cranberries, raspberries and strawberries, with a gentle touch of spice and oak that pairs perfectly with fresh salmon and steamed mixed vegetables.  About the only thing that’s going to keep these little guys safe in the water and not on a dinner plate, is possibly a hefty-sized barbecue pulled pork sandwich!

All kidding aside, this particular Pinot Noir comes from the winery’s Tualatin Estate Vineyard, which is home to some of the oldest plantings in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.  Tualatin Estate Vineyards was established in 1973 and is situated on 145 acres in the coastal rain shadows near Forest Grove, Oregon.  Both Willamette Valley Vineyards’ estate vineyards and those at Tualatin Estate are “Certified LIVE” (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) and “Salmon Safe”, and all of the vineyards’ equipment uses bio-fuel.  WVV’s founder and owner, Mr. Jim Bernau’s philosophy is that “wines made with consideration for the environment, employees and community simply taste better and are necessary to maintain and grow a sustainable company for the future.”  After tasting the 2007 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Tualatin Estate Vineyards’ Pinot Noir, I couldn’t agree more.

3 Stars out 4.  Conscious about environmental issues and sustainable practices, while still being able to achieve an enjoyable wine.

(SRP $40 USD)