At the Great Northwest Wine Encounter. These four Dobbes pinots were poured:
2012 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Momtazi Vineyard McMinnville
Deep color. Dark berry fruit, pomegranate, mushroom, star anise, cedar and forest-floor. Full bodied, sturdy tannins; drinks well now but the power to age is evident. Excellent.
2012 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Symonette Eola - Amity Hills
Rich red and black fruit, cherry cola, and violets with a flamboyent spiciness that some of us don't think is typical Oregon pinot. Fuller bodied, opulent and complex. Sees 40-50% new French oak. My favorite of four Dobbes pinots tasted today. Excellent.
2012 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Meyer Vineyard Dundee Hills
Raspberries, cherries and mildly toasted oak. Medium body with firm, smooth tannins. 777 Clone; sees 15% new oak. Pretty.
2013 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Quailhurst Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
Lighter than the three 2012's, warmest color. Aroma of strawberry and caramel, strawberries and spice on the palate. Supple and velvety. Sees 60% new oak, but it doesn't show.