On my next trip to Oregon wine country...

Just when I was starting to have withdrawal from Oregon Pinot Noir, I received a delivery from Youngberg Hill Winery.

I was excited to open the 2009 Natasha Pinot Noir ($30/bottle), a very limited production. Off came the screwtop and I poured myself a large glass of this ruby-red wine. The complexity of the nose was very appealing; it smelled of red cherry, raspberry, root beer, and licorice. On the palate, flavors of tart cherry, red currant, cola commingle with bright acidity and subtle notes of baking spice. The wine ends with a juicy, mouthwatering finish.

The first glass I paired with roast chicken and veggies, and then I indulged in another glass while I nibbled on goat cheese and fresh figs. The wine was very versatile and delicious; it could definitely hold up to even more hearty dishes.

After enjoying this delightful wine, I was even more disappointed that I didn’t get to visit Youngberg Hill in person when I was in Portland last month—it looks like a beautiful property with a charming Vineyard Inn. I’m already planning my next trip to Oregon and I know exactly where I want to stay!

Youngberg Hill is in McMinnville, about 25 miles from the coast. It was purchased in 2003 by Wayne Bailey; he relocated there with his family from the Midwest. The vineyards, which were planted in 1989, are farmed organically and named after Wayne's three young daughters—the “Jordan” and “Natasha” blocks are planted to Pinot Noir, and “Aspen” is a small planting of Pinot Gris. Combined, they produce less than 1000 cases a year.

This wine was received courtesy of Youngberg Hill for review purposes. Please visit their website to acquire your own!