What's in My Glass Wednesdays! 2007 Pinot Noir by Roco

It's not every day I get to taste some Pinot Noirs from Orgeon.  This a fun one that was found half off, around $30, and quite pleasant.  Fermented by Rollin Soles, also founder of Argyle Winery in Oregon, this a very representative light-bodied, cool-climate Pinot.  

I have a common belief that you can't buy quality Pinot Noir for anything under $30, and thus far, I haven't been proven wrong.  So if you're into trying Pinots, this may be your wine!

2007 Pinot Noir by Roco Winery

(Photos by author)

The D-2010 Scale 

2007 Pinot Noir by Roco Winery (Oregon, United States)

Appearance (10 points possible): light, brick red color with brown tint edges - 10 points

Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): Ripe plums, hints of oak and toast, perfume, and light cherry. - 15 points

Taste (10 points possible):  Light-bodied and crisp acidity.  Somewhat bland tasting with a more inviting nose.  Acidity is present but not overpowering.  Finish lingers with a hint of alcohol and toasty oak.  Flavors of perfume and cherry persist.  - 7 points

Balance (5 points possible): Although the wine is a bit bland on the palate, it flows well.  No one characteristic dominates.  It's a good, light-bodied Pinot. - 5 points

Finish (5 points possible): The finish is weak in flavor, but has hints of faint cherry, perfume, and oak flavors.  But it persists, isn't hot, and is quite pleasant given the wine style and type. - 4 points

Packaging *Introduction to the D-2010 Scale*

Quality of Package (5 points possible):  I think there was some discussion regarding how this is actually a $60 wine put in screw cap.  Oregon has pretty much moved to putting all their Pinots in screw cap as far as I know.  None the less, the package is nice. - 5 points

Label Marketability (10 points possible):  I really liked this label.  It's eye-catchy, but simple.  Apparently, this was captured off of a rock (from an ancient rock engraving or petroglyph) that was found in the Columbia River Gorge before it was dammed.  How cool! - 10 points

Other (5 points possible):  No little extras on this bottle! - 3 points

Total Points: 89 points

Overall Thought: I think I wouldn't have paid $60 for this wine and it seemed to be the general consensus when tasting it.  It was a good thing it was half off.  But it was quite light and pleasant; a good food-pairing wine.  Has typical Pinot Noir characteristics.

Food Pairings:  I had this with a tuna steak and it was a fabulous pairing for this wine, especially with the semi-sweet glaze.  I like Pinot with scallop dishes as well as salmon, especially if the salmon is smoked with some sort of cedar wood.

Cost: $30

Splurge Factor (out of 4): 2... This is the higher end of the "almost getting to the more expensive side of wines" price.  If it had been purchased at its regular retail price, it definitely would've been a 3!  :)

Where to buy:  I believe this wine was found through Wine Library, but I'm sure you can also purchase direct through their website.  A list of retailers in Oregon can also be found here. 

Doesn't this look appetizing?

(Photo by author)