WORLD CLASS WINE
2007 Clawson Creek Pinot Noir "Angela"
Price: $58
Drinkability: Approachable, better later
Availability: Quite limited
Folks, we have a winner!
Angela is the near-mythical pinot noir made for Clawson Creek Vineyards by famed winemaker Ken Wright. A few years ago, the first Angela was reported by a few lucky wine drinkers on wine blogs . . . but even those of us in the know could not seem to track down a bottle here in Oregon. Later, Ken said he would never make the wine again . . . but in fact, he has. With the '06 vintage, we were able to supply the Angela to about half the people who wanted some. Now, with the excellent '07, I expect we will be able to fill all requests . . . as long as you don't wait very long to order.
The winery has a smorgasbord of owners, including notably Antony Beck, whose family owns extensive wine holdings in South Africa under the name Graham Beck. Antony Beck is also well known as a thoroughbred breeder in Kentucky (The Oregon hills around wine country are a hotbed of horse properties, in fact, with several notable breeders and trainers).
The wine is just terrific. It literally glows in the glass, with a brilliant dark ruby color that turns darker at the core. The aroma is assertive and demands attention. On the palate, brilliant and focused flavors of plum and dark cherry are kept under control by some fine tannins -- the wine has a bit of desirable grip now. It is detailed and layered, but still lithe. It is clearly one of the top wines of the vintage that I've tasted so far. Recession be damned, you gotta jump on this one.
Oregon Pinot Noir Club Newsletter
March 2009
