Winery - Dobbes Family Estate
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Candied, simple, with an artificially sweetened flavor. Good but weak.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This seems just a bit lighter than in previous vintages. It’s well-made but it lacks power and definition. Light flavors of blackberry lead into restrained tannins. Lacking is the peppery spice of Syrah, or even some of the citrusy edge that some of the Washington Syrahs bring to the table.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Winemaker Joe Dobbes has grabbed hold of southern Oregon Syrah’s untapped potential and is clearing a path for everyone else to follow. This is exciting wine, varietal and bold, with flesh and finesse. The rough tannins are largely tamed and the fruit is ripened enough to take on a healthy dose of oak toast. Give it a couple of years to round out and it’ll be even better.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is a fruitier, juicier style than the Fortmiller but equally powerful and confident. Deep purple, saturated and fragrant with pepper, smoke and black cherry. It lacks just a bit of weight on the palate, but may just be young and tight. Give it a lot of breathing time.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This wine has an earthy, sensual nose that mixes leather, barnyard, pepper and dense, concentrated dark fruits. Rhône-like and potent, it promises a bit more than it delivers, but for the price it’s a heckuva good bottle. Lots of toast, smoke and barrel flavors sweep through the finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is one of the best Rogue Valley Pinots I’ve ever tasted. Quite lovely right from the start, with scents of spicy berries and cherries. The fruit is clearly defined, and lit up with nuances of clove, cinnamon stick and sandalwood. Smooth and creamy in the mouth, with buttered nuts, mocha and caramel as it weaves its way down the throat. Tannins are smooth and supple, and everything is in proportion.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Hits the nose with sharp, penetrating, spicy aromas that indicate a lively and authoritative wine. It doesn’t disappoint, delivering a flavorful mix of tropical and citrus fruits, highlighted with grapefruit peel and light herb.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is quite tart, tasting much like fresh pears drenched in lemon juice. That said, it is clean, crisp and varietal. With the right food (possibly even oysters) it could cut through nicely; but as a stand-alone Pinot Gris it lacks flesh and depth.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Joe Dobbes makes this top-tier Pinot Noir in a full-on, fleshy, ripe style. It’s lush but nicely proportioned, featuring generous, velvety fruit flavors and restrained notes of leaf, herb and root.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
There are just two barrels (50 cases) of the Sundown Syrah in 2004, but it’s a big boy. Dark and sappy, it clocks in with 15% alcohol and compact, dense flavors that start with blackberry and black cherry and run to graphite and smoke. It shows some leafy undertones, along with a bit of heat in the finish.
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