Firesteed - 1998 Awards and Reviews Pinot Noir

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General Reviews

Firesteed 1999 Pinot Noir Awards

Bronze: 2001 Indy International Wine Competition
80 Points Recommended: Pinot Noir - 2000 Beverage Tasting Institute
Recommended: Pinot Noir - 2002 Decanter Magazine

Firesteed 1999 Pinot Noir Reviews

Firesteed Cellars - Oregon Pinot Noir 1999 (Oregon, U.S.) $15.50): - With a black steed on the label, this Pinot Noir is tailor-made for 2002 - The Year of the Black Horse. Delicate burgundy-red colour. Cherry and strawberry aromas with a whiff of toasty smokiness. An easy-drinking wine to accompany baked salmon and fish dishes with Chinese mushrooms. On the shelves at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, Eau Claire Wine Market, and may be ordered at your favorite wine outlet. Firesteed Cellars was started a decade ago by Howard Rossbach, an entrepreneurial marketing whiz, to give consumers an affordable, good quality Oregon Pinot Noir. Firesteed Cellars has neither vineyards nor winery; the grapes are purchased on a contract basis and the wine is made at Flynn Vineyards in Oregon.

"Fairman's Find" Calgary Magazine, April, 2002

VINEYARD/ VINTAGE	PRICE	RATING	TASTER'S COMMENTS
Firesteed Cellars 1999	$11.69	Best Value	Best Value: Vibrant and fruity, like raspberry-cherry wine. Better chilled. "Like sweet fruit pressed into wine." Dottie says approvingly.

"It's fresh, unpretentious and gulpable, sweet fruit pressed into wine." This was Firesteed, which turned out to be our best value at just $11.69. At that price, even John said he'd buy it. In fact, the Firesteed was so enjoyable that we remember the first we ever had: at McCormick and Schmick's restaurant in Washington D.C.

"Tastings" Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, The Wall Street Journal, October 19, 2001

USA Pinot Noir - Recommended

Firesteed: - 'Very attractive, aromatic freshness on the nose. Rather Alsatian in style. Tastes almost like a white wine and deliciously so. Intriguing, racy and refreshing.' (MS) £10.95 - 12.95; Ach, Con, Eto, Grg, MIW, Por

"USA Pinot Noir" Decanter Magazine, December, 2001

FIRESTEED Pinot Noir, Oregon, 1999: - A nice example of 1999's strengths, with light raspberry and cherry flavors, soft texture and a certain panache for the price. ($12, Columbia)

"Oregon Pinots, under radar" Heidi Yorkshire, The Sunday Oregonian, September 23, 2001

1999 Firesteed Pinot Noir

Rating: *** Price: US$10.00 (750 ml.)

Tasting Notes:

General Qualities: Medium-bodied, light complexity, dry, balanced acidity

Color: Light ruby

Aromas: Black cherry, blackberry, cinnamon, licorice, rhubarb, spicy

Flavors: Bing cherry, black cherry, cinnamon, licorice, spicy

Other Descriptors: Elegant, juicy, smooth, vibrant

Date Reviewed: 01/29/01

Reviewed by: Norm Roby

"Wine from WineToday, The New York Times on the Web, January 29, 2001

1999 Firesteed Pinot Noir, Oregon - Soft, floral, and weightless in the glass, just like a pinot noir should be. With the recent price increases on pinot noir wines, Firesteed comes in at a bargain. Perfectly pairs with salmon, tuna steaks, or swordfish. $10

"2001 Red and Sparkling Wine Review" Kinasta Champion, www.malepig.com, July 24, 2001

The most affordable was Firesteed Cellars Pinot Noir 1999 ($19.25 for availability across Canada, call Select Wine Merchants, 416-367-5600). You'd never mistake it for a fine Burgundy, but it's impressive for its bright, clear berry fruit, good balance and creamy texture.

"Oregon offers the delight, and heartbreak, of pinot noir" Beppt Crosariol, The Globe and Mail, January 20, 2001