This wine teaches us to stay lean and sharp and to wear our pedigree around our neck if we have one.

The 2007 III Somms Pinot Noir JG Cuvée Seven Springs Vineyard is a fascinating piece of Oregon wine history. This unique bottling is both a testament to the pedigree of the Seven Springs Vineyard and represents a discontinued project, making it a true collector's item.

III Somms: A Fleeting Venture

III Somms (pronounced "Three Somms") was a short-lived project between three Master Sommeliers – Rajat Parr, DLynn Proctor, and Fred Dame – and renowned winemaker Isabelle Meunier. Their focus was on single-vineyard Oregon Pinot Noirs highlighting top sites.

Seven Springs Vineyard: An Oregon Benchmark

The Seven Springs Vineyard, located in the Eola-Amity Hills of Oregon's Willamette Valley, consistently produces world-class Pinot Noir. Its volcanic soils and cool microclimate contribute to wines with vibrant fruit, spice, and elegant structure.

The 2007 Vintage: A Cool Challenge

The 2007 vintage in Oregon was relatively cool and challenging. In the right hands, however, this can lead to nuanced Pinot Noirs with lifted acidity and delicate aromatics.

Tasting Notes: (Based on Collector Notes)

• Appearance: Likely showing a garnet hue with a pronounced brick-red rim.

• Aroma: Expect a mix of ripe red cherry, cranberry, forest floor, hints of spice, and subtle earthy/savoury notes.

• Palate: Medium-bodied with red fruit flavours, spice, a touch of earthiness, and a bright acidity, even with age. Tannins would have softened significantly.

• Finish: Moderate length, with lingering red fruit and savoury spice notes.

Food Pairings

The 2007 III Somms Pinot Noir's evolved character calls for elegant dishes:

• Roasted Duck with Cherry Sauce: Complements the wine's cherry notes and acidity.

• Mushroom Risotto Earthy flavours mirror the wine's complexity.

• Herb-Crusted Salmon: The wine's subtle spice complements the herbs.

Rarity and Historical Significance

After a few vintages, the III Somms project ended. The 2007 JG Cuvée is likely scarce. If you find a bottle, it's both a delicious wine and a piece of Oregon Pinot Noir history.

Where to Find It

Your best bets for finding this wine are:

• Online Wine Auctions: Specialized platforms may offer older vintages.

• Specialty Wine Shops: Some shops focusing on aged Oregon Pinot Noir might have stock.

The Ever-Evolving Oregon Pinot Scene

While the III Somms Pinot Noirs are a thing of the past, the 2007 vintage offers insight into how Oregon wines age. If you enjoy this bottle, seek out other single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from the Seven Springs Vineyard, showcasing its continued excellence.