Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"In 2015 we really tried to focus on earlier picking instead of acidulation," says Lynn Penner-Ash. "2015 has a life to it, a brightness." Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2015 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley has a gorgeous nose of violet and rose petal over a core of warm red and black cherries, baked cranberries, pink peppercorn, bergamot and an exotic hint of saltiness. Light to medium-bodied, it has wonderful layers of red and black fruits in the mouth with a strong line of spice—cardamom, nutmeg, hints of pepper—plus notes of autumn leaves and dusty earth. It’s got supple, grainy tannins and wonderful juicy acidity carrying the layered finish.
Rating: 93+ -
Wine Spectator
Expressive and refined with pretty raspberry and lavender aromas and tightly focused blackberry and spiced cinnamon flavors that lead toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2023.
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Decanter
The 2015 rendition of the Estate Vineyard Pinot reveals similar ripe red fruit tones to the 2014, complemented by notes of asphalt and nutty oak, but on the palate it is both more concentrated and more vibrant, with superior definition and intensity. Drinking Window 2018 - 2026
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.