Left Coast Cellars Cali’s Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2006

Born during Willamette Valley’s magical 2006 vintage, Left Coast’s 2006 Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir has it all. Richly robed, deeply aromatic, and packed with flavor, this full throttle Pinot Noir exudes entrancing scents of cherry, blackberry, bramble, raspberry, thyme, smoky earth tones, Asian spices, and more. And that’s just for starters. On the palate, the 2006 Cali’s Cuvée simply explodes with flavor. In fact, this powerful Pinot Noir puts to shame nearly every French red Burgundy we have tasted for under $50.00. Moreover, it exhibits depth and complexity along with power, pride, and plenty of panache. Consequently, it should come as no surprise that this comely Pinot Noir garnered a Gold Medal at the 2009 Critic’s Challenge as well as a slew of other high profile awards. What more can we say, except to suggest that you drink the 2006 Cali’s Cuvée at cool room temperature (60º-65º F), and as often as possible.

A wonderful glass of Pinot Noir to sit around and to sip, the 2006 Left Coast Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir needs absolutely nothing to shine, except a clean glass. With a cornucopia of flavors and just the right amount of acidity and structure, this Pinot Noir carries its welcome with it. Nonetheless, if either good old-fashioned country cooking or the hedonistic pleasures of a gourmet kitchen pose any allure, we suggest pairing Left Coast’s seductive 2006 Cali’s Cuvée with traditional French country fare such as Coq au Vin or Boeuf Bourguignon. Quail, pheasant, venison, and even wild boar provide other excellent choices with this powerful, complex Pinot Noir. Select cuts of beef and lamb won’t overwhelm this packed, sophisticated Pinot Noir either. So whether you are entertaining a crowd or planning an intimate evening with one special guest, the 2006 Left Coast Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir aims to please. Enjoy!

Left Coast Cellars may not yet be on everyone’s radar screen, but the folks at this meticulously tended 300 acre Oregon estate do everything right. Located astride the 45th Parallel in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Left Coast devotes 100 acres of their pristine estate to the cultivation of the vine and the production of compelling wines that are at once subtle, complex, and downright awe inspiring. Given the winery’s prime location and the market’s penchant for full-bodied, highly charged Pinot Noir, it is indeed Pinot Noir that leads the charge at Left Coast Cellars. In fact, this sustainably farmed estate fashions three extraordinary Pinots: Cali’s Cuvée, Latitude 45, and Suzanne’s Reserve. However, Left Coast Cellars is hardly a one wine domain. With plantings in different soil compositions and at varying altitudes, this remarkable winery also turns out outstanding Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Syrah. The remainder of the property at Left Coast Cellars supports fruit orchards, meadows, lakes, streams, and one of the last remaining stands of original old growth White Oaks in Willamette Valley. The estate’s park like setting also attracts migrating birds and displays a surprising amount of biodiversity, including several acres of truffles, hazelnut trees, hollies, and roses. Left Coast Cellars also tends a grove of olive trees and cultivates an organic vegetable garden from which it stocks the winery’s Tasting Room Café. With such a wealth of exceptional wines and delicious organic produce, Left Coast possesses all the gustatory delights. So, is anyone up for a fieldtrip?