Directly across the Columbia River from this scenic Hood River, Ore., winery’s tasting room and patio is Underwood Mountain, the setting for Dampier Vineyard and the source of multiple Platinum medals for Robb and John Bell’s Pinot Noir program. Those rows at 1,100 feet of elevation in the Columbia Gorge contribute fruit to this melange that includes the Bell family estate and Bolton — another go-to site for the Cathedral Ridge portfolio. The blend offers revealing aromas and flavors of blueberry jam, nectarine flesh and golden raisins within a structure that allows for nuanced truffle earthiness to evolve and pair with Veal Marsala. The Bells also suggest serving this with baked salmon or creamy Fettuccine Alfredo. It’s a wine that will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with renowned bottles from the Willamette Valley when poured at the Bell family’s tasting room in Dundee. Qualifying award: Oregon Wine Awards (gold)
Rating: Platinum • 94 points
Production: 200 cases
Alcohol: 13.8%
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