Argyle Nuthouse Pinot Noir 2004

The Nuthouse designation is used for Argyle's biggest, boldest, and tumescent style of Pinot Noir. This Nuthouse blend is predominantly based on Pinot Noir fruit from low elevation blocks at their estate Lone Star Vineyard in the Eola Hills. Nuthouse takes its name from where it is barrel aged and fermented — in Argyle's winery that was formerly a hazelnut drying facility.

This is a very powerful Pinot Noir from an interesting vintage. This wine rewards the patient imbiber who lingers over a glass of wine while it develops in the glass. The aromas are comprised of a concentrated blackberry center with radiating essences of cedar cigar box, roasted pecan, vanilla bean, jam packed dark chocolate Black Forest Tort, and a wonderful black truffle earthy component. Foretold by the aromas intensity, the palate of this wine is Nuthouse concentrated. A juicy plus core is wrapped up by blackberry fruit leather, red cedar box, and a long fruity blackberry to blueberry finish. The big time tannins of this wine are hidden under a very juicy sweetness.