Winemaker Notes
The color is dark red in the center fading to a granite and slight pink on the outer rim. It is bright and shows no signs of sediment or particles. Scents of cola, sassafras, mushroom, mineral and spice lead into the fruit flavors of dark cherry, ripe raspberry, and wild red plums. The fruit is ripe, but also slightly reserved. The fruit spice balances with the oak spice of vanilla, cinnamon, coriander and char. A slight stem or tree bark influence adds to the earth components and lingers on the finish. Hints of fresh red flowers and wet dark potting soil come through on the end of the aromatic journey. The structure is firm and detailed with lifted acidity and structured tannin. The wine shows grip today, but this will soften with time in bottle. This Pinot Noir shows a beautiful balance of concentrated fruit, earth and spice, and overall structure. It is mouth filling and long on the finish. Enjoy this wine with grilled meats or hearty mushroom dishes.
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.