Boise Coop Wine Shop

Four from Oregon’s Joe Dobbes

• September 22, 2011

Joe Dobbes Family Estate

In 2002, after 17 years in the business working for others internationally and in Oregon, Joe Dobbes started his company with a small amount of money in his back pocket, a lot of experience and passion, and sufficient ignorance of what he was up against. There are no outside partners or investors in Dobbes Family Estate and Wine by Joe — just determined, honest, hardworking people that make it work. Today this multi-faceted wine company is one of the largest in the state. They own 214 acres of vineyard and benefit from the work of more than 20 full-time, dedicated employees, as well dozens of other part-time and seasonal workers. All have made a significant mark on the success of the company. At Dobbes, they are passionate about letting the grapes speak in an effort to bring forth the flavors, the textures, the colors and aromas that the fruit is eager to share. In addition to their own vineyard, the winery has relationships with some of the best growers in Oregon’s Willamette and Rogue valleys. Dobbes understands the important role terroir plays in the character development of wine, so he carefully selects fruit from vineyards with differing elevations, soil types and clones. The ingredients, after all, are the most important factor in producing the most expressive Pinot Noirs.

2009 Dobbes Family Estate Grand Assemblage Pinot Noir, $26.00
A bright garnet wine with aromas of dark cherry, red licorice and a hint of forest floor. In the mouth it is a sensuous wine, balanced and bright with good grip and acidity. The flavor is a mix of dark cherry and blackberry, with a little of that red licorice coming through on the palate.. This is what everyone should identify with Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Drink now through

Wines by Joe

Joe Dobbes is a pretty laid-back guy, but he couldn’t be more serious about making really excellent wine. This bodes well for the world as we know it, because these dueling demeanors bring forth a true gem: Wine by Joe. This is your go-to wine. Delicious, but never pretentious. A high-quality bottle at a no-nonsense price, meant to be shared with people who make you happy. It’s smooth and “drinkable,” as they say. But it’s rich and complex, too. Wine by Joe, priced at less than 20 bucks, is as comfortable at a dinner party as it is on a Thursday evening in your backyard. And its consistency from bottle to bottle ensures you’re going to be happy every time you pour it.

2010 Wine by Joe Pinot Gris, $12.99
This wine explodes with sweet aromas of fresh cut pears, green apples, and hints of vanilla and cream. The light, clean flavors in the mouth encompass citrus and green apple, well-balanced by refreshing and flinty acidity for a perfect and lively finish with lingering hints of that citrus. A lively, crisp, fruity and perfect “solo” sipper that also marries well with food.

2010 Wine by Joe Pinot Blanc, $12.99
Opening with aromas of vanilla, pears, flint and apples, the medium-bodied mouth feel of this wine delivers rich and rewarding flavors of peach and citrus fruit balanced by refreshingly crisp talc-flinty acidity. A medium-bodied, rich, but crisp wine with text book Pinot Blanc nuances.

2010 Wine by Joe Pinot Noir, $16.99
An excitingly complex and well-balanced Pinot Noir with gorgeous mouthwatering aromas of blackberry and a touch of leather. This wine slips into your mouth with juicy, lip-smacking flavors that mirror the aromas. It is balanced by vivacious acidity and a soft and velvety mouth feel, which wraps around your tongue, delivering an impression of sweetness from the soft ripe tannins.