2009 Benton-Lane Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

About This Wine

Steve and Carol Girard shared a passion for Pinot Noir.

So much so that they not only wanted to drink it — they wanted to produce it. But where? The native Californians gave their home state strong consideration, but ultimately decided to look northward, where the cooler climate offered an opportunity to craft Pinot that was beautifully balanced and well structured.

They settled on Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and began their search anew. The valley is home to innumerable microclimates, and Pinot Noir is notoriously “challenging” to grow. The Girards knew that picking the right site ultimately would be their most important decision.

They found what they were looking for in the southern part of the valley, near the village of Monroe. They founded Benton-Lane Winery in 1988, produced their first vintage in 1992, and have been crafting world-class Pinot Noir ever since, the 2009 vintage being another in a long line of delicious success stories.

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:Estate Vineyard in Willamette Valley of Oregon
• Aromas & Flavors:Bing Cherry, Graham Cracker Pie Crust, Mushroom and Assorted Berries
• Aging Vessels:French Oak Barrels for 9 Months
• When to Drink:Now Through 2015
• Food Pairing SuggestionNorthwest salmon, or a mushroom-topped steak.

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
  

  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
  

  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
  

  Balsamic Maple Glazed Salmon Try this recipe, which makes 4 servings, with Pinot Noir or Syrah. 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
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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
  

  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
  

  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
  

  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
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  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
  

  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
  

  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
  

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