Firesteed is the largest producer of pinot noir in Oregon.   At just under $10, it is easily and consistently one of the best values in pinot noir from anywhere.  It also sports one of the snazziest labels in winedom.

Firesteed is the progeny of Seattle native Howard Rossbach, who started the label back in 1992 as a virtual winery.  This means he didn't own an actual winery.  Instead, he brought grapes and had them made into wine according to his specifications and then blended this wine with other purchased wine.  He then marketing the wine under his Firesteed label.  A person doing business this way in France is called a negociant and they are typical in Burgundy.

But he has just made the leap from virtual to traditional winery by buying the Flynn winery in Rickreall, just west of Salem, that he will rename Firesteed.  The 2002 vintage will be the first made at the Firesteed winery.

The 2000 Firesteed Oregon Pinot Noir is balanced and fruit but is quite pale in color.  "Don't be misled by the color," Rossbach says, "all the pinot character is in there."

Rossbach has held his price at $10 for the entire 10-year tenure of his business even though Oregon pinot noir has become some of the most expensive on the market.  "I still make money," he says with a shrug, "my kids aren't hungry."  His success has allowed him to expand production each year to its current volume of 30,000 cases and he plans on further growth.  How big will he get? "The consumers will determine that," he says with a laugh.

It was the February wine dinner at Jazz Factory in Huntsville, Alabama, and friends gathered to sample various delights.  Included were Kyomomoto Oyster topped with Beluga Caviar and served with a Zardetto Prosecco Brut.  The Goats do Roam was served with Chateaubriand and asparagus.  These were lovely dishes and lovely wines.  One wined caused a stir at table and was hotly debated, this was the Firesteed Pinot Noir 2000.

Firesteed is rightly proud of this wine.  In previous years it has been awarded several medals.  The 1997 pinot noir earned a silver medal at the Hilton Head Hospitality Association's Wine Fest 2000.  Both the 1998 and 1999 have received bronze and medals at various competitions.

The Firesteed winery, located in Oregon, has created an orange-red pinot noir.  It is bright in color and light in taste.  It is described as having "exuberant cherry and berry flavors and aromas."  It is so light in color that when it was first poured I thought a mistake had been made and a rose served.

Pinot Noir has been described as the king of Oregon's varietals.  Almost 40% of Oregon's wine acreage is planted with Pinot Noir.  Oregon is in fact the United States' premier region for growing Pinot Noir.  The climate is very similar to France's Burgundy region.  The forerunner of the Pinot Noir is the French Burgundy.  These climatic similarities have suited this fickle grape.  Many of Oregon's Pinot Noirs have been ranked as the best.

One diner who lists Pinot Noirs as her favorite wine waxed enthusiastically about the Firesteed's fruity taste.  Another diner declared that that was one of its problems, the wine was too soft.  This was echoed by a third who stated that the wine seemed "watery".

The wine was served with the couscous and baby green salad with golden raisins, apricots, and toasted pine nuts.  The apricots complimented light flavors giving it a fuller flavor than when drunk on its own.  Do not pair this wine with extremely strong food.  It will get lost in the other flavors.  A light chicken or pasta dish will suit this wine.

I am always on the look out for wines that I can serve with my friends who only drink White Zinfandel.  This is a good choice for such an occasion.  It can be shared by someone who demands a less cloying taste than White Zin, but can be enjoyed by those desiring a sweet wine.