Matello "Souris" Pinot noir 08
See all in-stock Oregon 2008 vintage Pinot noirs
Wine Advocate 92 points!
This is a top 20 wine of the 2008 vintage for me - easy. Souris 08 expands as soon as the first aroma hits your senses. It's like winemaker Marcus Goodfellow had one of those hologram touch screens in the movies where someone grabs a small image, then takes both hands, stretching to make it life-size. This has the pretty, upper-register red fruits, flowers, red licorice, and silkiness with tons of bottom end black berry and sweet earth. Goodfellow says there's even a hint of "Nick Nolte" down there - you know, that gruff and gravely but charming character that balances the picture. - Marcus
An Avalon Wine Club Selection - 15% off for Wine Club Members
Matello wines are made from grapes purchased from several locations in the Willamette Valley. Marcus makes some his best wines from Pinot noir grapes sourced from the Whistling Ridge Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. The vineyard lies directly above Beaux Freres Vineyards.
Only 165 cases made; the Souris is comprised of 3 barrels of Whistling Ridge, 2 barrels of Bishop Creek, and 1 barrel of Cherry Grove (aka Nick Nolte).
Marcus Goodfellow’s winery may be small (actually, he share's space with several other micro-producers), but his reputation among Portland area restaurants is huge. His wines are featured at some of the hippest locales in town. Goodfellow developed his winemaking skill by working closely with Amy Wesselman and David Autrey of Westrey Winery.
Wine Advocate: My favorite of the portfolio is the 2008 Pinot Noir Souris, a blend of three vineyards aged for 18 months in 33% new oak. Aromas of cherry blossom, black cherry, black raspberry, and exotic spices lead to a medium-bodied, intense, layered Pinot with densely packed fruit, plenty of structure, and lively acidity all nicely intertwined. Give this velvety-textured, lengthy effort 2-3 years of additional cellaring and drink it from 2013 to 2023. - Jay Miller
There are a lot of things that end up on the back of a wine label. Marcus Goodfellow chose wisely: "If I were to die tomorrow and people ask what kind of winemaker I was, this is the bottle I would want to show them. But if you must open it in a hurry, then at least have the good sense not to drink it that way."
2007 Vintage Tasting Notes
Wine Advocate 88 points
Wine Advocate: The 2007 Pinot Noir Souris (a selection of the winery’s best barrels) was sourced from three vineyards on Whistling Ridge. Light ruby-colored, it offers up an attractive bouquet of smoke, spice box, cherry, and cranberry. Sweetly fruited and forthcoming, this balanced effort has plenty of savory fruit, good balance, and moderate length. It will drink well from 2010 to 2017.
2006 Vintage Tasting Notes
Matello's Souris Pinot noir 06 received 92 points from Wine Advocate (Parker): "The 2006 Pinot noir "Souris" is a selection of the winery's best barrels. It continues the theme of elegance but amps up the power a bit. Medium to full-bodied, there are layers of ripe red fruits and enough structure for this outstanding effort to evolve for 2-3 years. It will be at its best from 2010 to 2018."
