Winemaker Notes
From their earliest days in barrel, the 2005 Pinot Noirs have been deep, dense wines. In contrast to the more delicate 2004, the 2005 is built on larger shoulders, with a strong backbone that will certainly reward with extended aging. Pinot Noir's more delicate heart beats beneath, but for now the 2005 is true to the vintage. Of course, one can happily enjoy the wine now with its expressive nose of lilac and violet blossoms, and a wild array of red and black fruits, white pepper, clove and orange peel. The body is rich and the finish long and silky, suggesting a minimum aging of 7 to 10 years.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The entry level 2005 Pinot Noir is produced from 95% estate fruit. Medium ruby-colored, it has a fragrant bouquet of raspberry and black cherry. Medium-bodied, it has a lithe texture, a broad band of spicy, sweet red fruits, excellent balance and a pure finish. Drink it over the next 8-10 years.
Home of some of the planet’s most amazingly elegant and expressive Pinot noir, the Willamette Valley is a pastoral, mixed landscape of green, bucolic rolling hills, dramatic forestlands and small, independent, friendly wine growers. As a leader in environmental stewardship, the valley has some of the nation’s most protective land use policies, with two-thirds of its vineyards farmed sustainably and over half, organically. While the valley claims a cool, continental climate, and is heavily influenced by the cold, moist winds of the Pacific Ocean, its warm and dry summers allow for the steady, even ripening of Pinot noir.
The potential of Willamette Valley Pinot noir continues to attract the investment of serious growers and winemakers both locally and from abroad, as naturally the finished wines bring accolades from professionals and enthusiasts. With a range of styles from delicate dried cherry, raspberry and hibiscus to stronger notes of truffle, mocha, plum and spice, a fine Willamette Valley Pinot noir is a perfect expression of both character and grace.