Oak Knoll Vintage Reserve Pinot Noir 1998

Oregon is rapidly becoming known for fine Pinot Noir, but no other winery in the state can lay claim to CONSISTENT excellence with this difficult to tame varietal. Oak Knoll found the combination in the early 1970's and since then has created a remarkable array of extraordinary vintages, wine classic in style and very palate pleasing. A brilliant wine of medium garnet color and glass-coating body, the varietal character fairly leaps from the glass with a clean, rich scent. To the taste it is elegant and smooth, yet with a structure that heralds its ancestry. Subtle oak undertones add to its complexity and point up the lengthy aging in small oak barrels given to this wine that would be a perfect foil to rare roast beef, game, or any elegant and full flavored food. Here is a wine that can be counted on vintage after vintage to provide great enjoyment.