October, 2003 Release
Rex Hill 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir

More Oregon wineries than ever are producing fine Pinot Noirs. The only trouble is that many of the best wines are made in small quantities and are difficult to find. The Oregon vintage of 1999 Pinot Noir has been touted as the states best vintage ever. Wine Spectator gave the 1999 vintage a ranking of 94 on the 100 point scale. This type of notoriety resulted in the 1999 vintage rapidly disappearing. When we discovered a small amount of this wine still available we snatched it up for a wine club cellar release.

The wine was bottled in September 2000 and released in December 2001. The wine benefits from having several extra years in the bottle. Wine Enthusiast made the wine a cellar selection in April 2002. It received a 94 on the 100point scale. They quote “This winery’s top Pinot is a wonder especially in this superb vintage. Lush flavors blend cherry fruit, toasty oak, hints of coconut, chocolate and cinnamon into a complete and delicious whole”. Wine and Spirits rated the wine a 93 in August 2001. International Wine Cellar a 92 in March/April 2002. Wine Spectator a 90 in June 2002. Drink this wine now or hold to 2006 to 2007.

Rex Hill is located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon approximately 50 miles from Portland. The wine maker for this wine was Lynn Penner-Ash. This was her last vintage as winemaker for Rex Hill thus making this wine club release even more interesting. Mrs. Penner-Ash has gone on to produce her own label and was recently interviewed and published in Wine Spectator. We are happy to say that the quality of Rex Hill wines has remained consistent since her leaving. We look forward to great wines from both Rex Hill and Lynn Penner-Ash.

Enjoy.

~Steven R. Mitchem

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