2007 Blue Pirate Oregon Pinot Noir

About This Wine

It’s a scene repeated often across Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Blue birds would sit in the trees outside the Westnut hazelnut factory in the small town of Dundee, patiently waiting for the delivery trucks to be loaded. Then they’d swoop down on one of the trucks, grab a hazelnut or two, drop them on the ground and break the shells. Making sure the coast was clear, still more blue jays would converge on the scene and grab the nuts for food.

At the Westnut factory, these swashbuckling birds were given a nickname: the “blue pirates.” Over the years, at hazelnut harvest time, one could depend on seeing the scene repeated day after day.

They don’t process hazelnuts at that historic Dundee building anymore. Today, the facility has been renovated and transformed into a winery named 12th and Maple Wine Company. The Blue Pirate label is dedicated to the birds that once held court there — a reminder that all agriculture, including winegrowing, is forever intertwined.

About Pinot Noir

Very sensitive to climate and handling in winery, this fickle grape of Burgundy yields low tannin and acidity, medium colors and lifespan. Classic berry, cherry and currant flavors, silky textures typically balanced with spicy or floral tones.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Pinot Noir
• Grape Source:Select Oregon Vineyards
• Aromas & Flavors:Red Berries, Red Cherry, Strawberry, a Hint of Spice and a Light Toasty Note
• When to Drink:Now Through 2012
• Food Pairing Suggestionturkey with stuffing, or game dishes.

Member Ratings

Recipes

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  Green Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette With almost any type of salad, we suggest Sauvignon Blanc as a well-matched wine. But because of the cranberry flavor featured in this recipe, you may want to try a wine that includes cranberry among its aromas and flavors. We tried it with a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir, and it turned out to be an intriguing and enticing combination. Get The Recipe
  

  Grenoble Style Salmon This recipe, which matches beautifully with Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Balsamic Maple Glazed Salmon Try this recipe, which makes 4 servings, with Pinot Noir or Syrah. Get The Recipe
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  Mushroom Barley Stew A fruity red wine is the perfect match for this hearty recipe, which serves 4 to 6. MUSHROOM BARLEY STEW Ingredients - 1 T olive oil - 2 carrots, chopped... Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Duck A La Orange Just in case this year's California wildfires impart a smoky flavor to vintage 2008 wines, here's a recipe that will match up nicely. Otherwise, try this dish - developed by Garre Winery Executive Chef Ty Turner -- with naturally smoky wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Noir or Syrah. Get The Recipe
  

  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe
  

  The Perfect Potatoes With the holidays on the horizon, several ACWC members have asked us for recipes to accompany main dishes such as turkey or ham. Here's one we love - and it can even be a meal in itself, served with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. It makes 6 to 8 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Pinot Noir Sauce Try this flavorful sauce over lamb or prime rib, and serve with Pinot Noir, Malbec or a red blend... Get The Recipe
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  Tomato Pesto Pasta A wonderful match with Cabernet Sauvignon, this recipe helps bring out the fruitful quality of the wine. It also matches nicely with other red wines, and serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Herb Crusted Tuna Steaks This recipe is extremely versatile, matching well with most white and lighter red wines. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Pork Tenderloin With Tart Cherry Port And Caraway Sauce This delicious recipe from Sonoma County's J. Fritz Winery matches beautifully with almost any red wine. It makes 4 to 6 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Duck Breast With Red Wine Risotto This recipe calls for a good quality red wine, and we suggest either Pinot Noir or Merlot. Whichever you choose, we also suggest serving that wine with the meal. This recipe makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe