Take pleasure in two bottles of Oregon Pinot Noirs that are giving the French Pinot Noirs a run for their money. 

The first is a bottle of Domaine Serene - Evanstad Reserve 2000.  Domaine Serene's vineyards and winery sit atop the Red Hills of Dundee in Dayton, Oregon.  The red volcanic soil, combined with the climate, creates an ideal place for growing fantastic Pinot Noirs.  The second bottle is a Brickhouse Cuvee du Tonnelier 2003.  This more recent Pinot has a dark, rich garnet red color and a wonderful Oregon nose of sweet tannin, raspberries, and a bit of toasty oak.  In the mouth, it is rich and velvet -- just like Pinot should be – a good balance of fruit, tannin, and acid.