Oregon tasting notes

text and photographs © 2009 Tom Cannavan

These notes accompany our in-depth feature on Oregon wine.

VIRIDIAN WINES, OREGON

Viridian Pinot Gris 2006
Nice green fruit aromas, with green apple and a touch of leesy richness, also a touch of green bean and nettle. The palate has good mouthfeel, and a touch of green bean quality, that hints at a touch of under-ripeness, but it broadens out in the finish with good texture. Quite chewy and robust. 85/100

Viridian Pinot Noir Rosé 2007
Pale ruby colour. Lacks a little fruit on the nose, with a touch of strawberry though a slightly green character. Plenty of residual sugar here, with a sweet strawberry impression and lowish acidity. A sweet and slightly confected style that lacks Pinot character. 82/100

Viridian Pinot Noir 2006
Aged in 23% new oak for nine months, both American and French, with a touch of Hungarian too. Dark, vibrant colour. Big, bracken nose, with a slightly vegetal and rustic nose. The palate delivers quite nice Pinot fruit, with a solidity and solid, liquoricy quality to the tannins. This has good presence in the mouth, with a decent finish, though a clash between a touch of residual sugar and a slightly astringent note just detracts. 84/100

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