Pinot Noir
2013 Antica Terra, Pinot Noir Ceras
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Intense aromas after the cork is pulled are only enhanced with a slight decant. Absolutely spot on varietal characteristics and terroir transparency are impressive.
High complexity on the nose, but once you start to unravel, the scents of black tea, loam and white pepper start the show. Cherry, wild blackberry and brambly raspberry follow after the swirl with scents of bitter greens, salty minerality, crushed florals finishing with hints of blood orange and wild herbs.
On the palate, bright, persistent and open. Impeccably well balanced with flavors that are an exact duplicate of the nose; cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and wild raspberry that blend seamlessly with black tea, white pepper, loamy earth, fluer de sel and minerals, wild herbs, mustard greens, bramble, crushed flowers and blood orange notes that linger through the long finish.
949 Cases produced -95 Points
This wine provides an experience that rivals most Burgundies at double its price point. Sexy and pure!
2014 Lenne, Pinot Noir Karen's Pommard
Estate Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon
Sleek and sexy scents of black cherry, brambly blackberry, cranberry, mocha, earth, sarsaparilla, cola, smoke and ash with hints white pepper, dried rose and graphite mineral. Absolutely engaging on the palate, evoking thought as one tastes. Flavors of dark cherry, wild blackberry and cranberry are supported by notes of white and black pepper, ash, chocolate covered espresso beans, cola, bramble, sous bois, dried leaves and dried rose petals that leads to great minerality that sails through the lengthy finish. Big drying tannins pull on the front as the wine closes.
2015 Jules Taylor, Pinot Noir
Marlborough, New Zealand
This Pinot Noir is generous on the nose, showing vibrant aromas of dark cherry, raspberry and plum combined with spicy oak notes, vanilla and a hint of caramel and spice. On the palate bright and focused with a balanced structure and silky texture. Flavors show dark cherry, raspberry and plum with notes of vanilla bean, caramelized oak, and spice with cocoa powder flavors finishing.
2013 Errazuriz, Pinot Noir Max Reserva
Casablanca Valley, Chile
Nicely perfumed with scents strawberry, raspberry and cherry notes that mingle well with savory herbs, cola, salty minerals and rose flowers with a hint of smoke and ash. On the palate this shows good mid-palate density but remains medium-minus in body. Juicy and racy with flavors that show focus and precision; Strawberry, raspberry and juicy red cherry with hints of rhubarb. Flavors of cola, bramble, flowers, mineral, vegetable ash and herbs weave their way into the fold. Long on the focused finish lingering on the red fruits and spice.
$16 – 91 Points
2014 Maysara, Pinot Noir 3°
McMinnville, Oregon
A beautiful, fully Demeter Certified Biodynamic, wine that drinks well above it’s price point!
Lively on the nose highlighting the AVA's terroir. Scents show dark cherry, blackberry and touches of plum that also show edgy pepper, coriander and mustard seed notes. Hints of floral, bramble, oak leaves, smoke and fresh turned earth fade in and out repeatedly.
The palate revels sappy acidity and firm structure with cherry and blackberry flavors that give way to white pepper, stone ground mustard, coriander seeds, bramble, earth and a hint of smoke. The finish lingers pleasantly.
2015 Maison Roy & Fils, Pinot Noir Incline
Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon
Obviously very young but shows well with airtime. This wine shows deeply fruited scents of red cherry, concentrated raspberry and cranberry sauce that tow along notes of fleur de sel, fresh rose petals, lavender and subtle spice.
The palate translates showing density and pure red fruit; strawberry compote, bright cherry, raspberry and cranberry sauce that comes with delicate floral notes, saline and light spice and cola notes. Acidity keeps this wine fresh and lifted. Tannins are ripe and linger pleasantly through the long finish with echoes the fruit.
2014 Ayoub, Pinot Noir, Overlook Vineyard
Dundee Hills, Oregon
Plush red fruits of cherry, wild strawberry, goji, cranberry and pomegranate play on the nose and are met with scents of rose petal, rooibos tea and oak, all of which are framed with earth, bramble, smoke, salt and iron mineral.
The palate reveals great structure. Focused acidity leaves the mouth watering long into the finish. Plush moderate tannins are present and refined. Alcohol and mid-palate density are moderate-plus. Flavors of abundant red fruits are framed by earth and mineral notes the lead to more delicate floral and tea nuances. The finish lingers effortlessly with firm tannins and juicy acidity.
2015 Winderlea, Pinot Noir Bryan Creek
Chehalem Mountains AVA, Oregon
Only the second release of this wine from this boutique producer with only a couple hundred cases produced. Sourced from the Chehalem Mountains (one of Adelsheim's most prized vineyards) this section of the vineyard is high elevation, old vine, own-rooted Pommard.
Dark in both color and profile. Notes of cedar and black tea come through in the aromatics with black cherry, wild raspberry, goji berry, cocoa, rose petal and earth notes follow. Raspberry, cherry fruits and a subtle hint of sea salt become more prominent on the palate. As the wine progresses on the palate notes of cocoa and black tea gain in intensity. Weighty in texture and structure strutting the tannins of the varietal and vineyard.
2014, Etude, Pinot Noir, Bannockburn
Central Otago, New Zealand
Pommard and 115 are aged in 100% French oak barrels (30% new)
for 12 months.
Darker in color than the varietals typicity. On the nose this is bold and expressive showing ample notes of dark cocoa, spice, smoke, earth, tea and dried flower petals with dark cherries, pomegranate and graphite.
The palate is racy with focused acidity that is met and balanced with full, drying tannins and a silky mouth-feel and layered texture. Flavors pop with intensity showing dark cherry, blackberry and pomegranate that are hemmed with cocoa, tea, dried flower petals, smoke, pepper, earth and minerals. Long through the vivid finish.
2016 Rivers-Marie, Pinot Noir, Old Vines Summa Vineyard
Sonoma Coast, California
The flagship Pinot Noir from Rivers-Marie is stunning, site driven and still very young. A scant 150 case production. Old Vines comes from vines planted in 1978 and was brought up in 50% new French oak. An incredible nose that is classic Summa, full of Christmas spice, forest floor, clove, sandalwood and citrus peel with vibrant raspberries, red cherries, crushed flowers and hints at mint and herbs. The palate is full, fleshy and intense, but very elegant at the same time. Very high toned with incredible acidity, cutting through all the primary fruit this young wine possesses. Flavors of raspberry, cherry, pomegranate, and plum are intertwined with blood orange, pine, spice, crushed flowers, rock and mineral. Long and graceful through the juicy finish.
2016 Alloro Vineyards
Chehalem Mountains AVA, Oregon
A blend Pommard and Dijon Clones aged 11 months in French oak, 27% new.
On the nose the fruit is appears on the darker side with blackberry, black cherry and pomegranate that shows with scents of freshly shelled nuts, earth, mocha, light spice and florals.
The palate has great structure with med-plus acidity and tannins that linger.
Vivid flavors show off black cherry, pomegranate and brambleberry notes that are intertwined with savory notes of earth, chocolate, spice, tea, and florals with a hint of walnuts. The finish lingers
2014 Brittan Vineyards, Pinot Noir Cygnus Block,
McMinnville AVA, Oregon
Absolutely intoxicating on the nose with aromas of framboise, cherry, cassis and wild strawberry with notes of rose, hibiscus, tamarind, cinnamon, forest underbrush and tea.
On the palate deep and concentrated showing a beautiful purity of fruit. The palate is layered with velvety textures, high berry like acidity, ripe-plush tannins and above moderate mid palate density. Rich flavors of raspberry pastilles and framboise mix with cherry, strawberry and cassis that carry with them notes of rose, hibiscus and tea with hints of baking spice and earth. The plush finish lingers with a slight orange zest quality.
2017 Ayoub, Pinot Noir Anonimo Vineyard
Dundee Hills, Oregon
This four acre vineyard in the Dundee Hills is planted to nine different clones of Pinot Noir. This wine was fermented with 18% Whole Cluster.
Intense aromas show layers of red fruits; cherry, pomegranate, brambly raspberry, red currant and cranberry that weave in scents of rose petal, tea, earth, rock, white pepper, baking spice, citrus and hints of cocoa and smoke.
The palate shows impressive structure with high toned juicy acidity, firm-built tannins and balanced alcohol. Flavors are framed with red fruits that recall pomegranate, red cherry, brambly raspberry, red currant, cranberry and goji that bring in mineral laced earth tones, black tea, white pepper, smoke, rose, cocoa, baking spices and hints of kumquat. The finish lingers reemphasizing the structure of the wine.
Some of the best in Dundee!
2015 Darioush, Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, California
15% whole cluster pressed. The wine was aged for 15 months in new Francois Freres Burgundy cooperage, medium, and medium plus toast. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Aromas showcase notes of smoke and spice that give way to the layered scents of herbs, cola, dark cherry, black plum, cranberry sauce, dried rose, rooibos, earth and a hint of blood orange zest.
The palate is round and voluptuous with a fleshy texture. Acidity is moderate to moderate-plus with smooth medium tannins. Layers of flavors that show notes of cherry, wild raspberry and strawberry, cranberry sauce, orange zest, herbs, floral pastilles and rooibos that lead to the notes of toast, earth, smoke and spice that linger gracefully through the finish.
Elegant and balanced.
2018 RAEN, Pinot Noir, Bodega
Sonoma Coast, California
The Bodega Vineyard sits just 4 miles from the coast and is steep, remote and surrounded by redwoods, pines, wildflowers, coastal oaks and a beautiful assortment of plant life.
Only 8 barrels produced. The wine is 100% whole cluster, that sees all native fermentation before being aged in neutral French oak barrels and bottled with no fining or filtration.
This stunning Pinot Noir displays an array of wild strawberry, cherry pomegranate and raspberry that fold in notes of tea, rose petal, mint, spice, bramble, earth, pine and hints of orange bitters. The palate shows precision and balance with harmonious balance between the zesty acidity and ripe, full tannins. A cellar worthy wine!
2015 Zena Crown, Pinot Noir ‘Block 6’ Zena Crown Vineyard
Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon
Aromas show off racy notes of cherry, wild blackberry, potpourri, dried rose, orange skin, earth, rock, cola, mountain herbs and touches of pepper, smoke and fleur de sel.
The palate is intense with high acidity and moderate tannins. Bold, racy flavors provide cherry, under-ripe raspberry, boysenberry, and orange skin notes that come with floral tones of potpourri, rose and hibiscus with light hints of smoke, pepper, cola, herbs, rock and mineral. Long on the vivid finish.
2017 Bodega Chacra, Pinot Noir
‘Cincuenta y Cinco’
Patagonia, Argentina
Full cluster fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats and was left to infuse with the grapes' aromas and flavors. 30% of the wine was kept unoaked, while the rest matured in second and third use French barrels with the lees.
The nose is showing notes of crushed rock and mineral set against florals, wild raspberry, cherry, herbs and earth with hints of smoke and orange zest.
The palate is well textured, very smooth with absolutely no rough edges.
Juicy acidity keeps structure along with fine tannins. Flavors display an impressive array of rock, earth and mineral around the core of raspberry, cherry, dried flower petals, herb and light touches of citrus zest, fleur de sel and cola. The smooth finish lingers elegantly.
2017 Raen, Pinot Noir, Royal St. Robert
Sonoma Coast, California
100% whole cluster, natively fermented, bottled without fining or filtration. Aged 12-15 months in 4 yr air dried French oak, 10% new.
Aromas bloom to show intense notes of red apple skin, wild strawberry, rose petal, cherry, and wild berries with bramble, forest floor, black tea, black pepper and hints of baking spice, graphite, spent campfire and sea mist.
On the palate this comes packed with round, supple and fleshy textures, focused acidity and dry woodsy tannins. Complex in the flavor profile revealing notes of cherry, wild strawberry, red apple skin, black tea, bramble, wood smoke, spice, earth and touches of brine and graphite. The finish if full and long.
2016 Lemelson Vineyards, Pinot Noir ‘Chestnut Hil’
Chehalem Mountains AVA, Oregon
From Chehalem Mountains, de-stemmed fruit aged in 50% new French oak.
Full aromas show notes of strawberry, rhubarb, cherry and raspberry mingle with notes of mineral and earth with sophisticated nuances of dried leaves, roasted nuts, herbs, potpourri and hints of vanilla, spice and rose.
The palate shows impressive balance. Great density and structure. Bright vivid acid balanced with firm, suave tannins. Flavors show intensity with the racy notes of raspberry, strawberry, cherry, rhubarb, herbs, roasted nuts, earth, mineral, rose petal, blood orange and a subtle vanilla and spice notes. Lengthy through the finish.
2017 Kosta Browne, Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast, California
Mostly Destemmed fruit was aged 17 months in 40% new French oak, 15% wood tanks and 6% concrete tanks.
Seductive aromas reveal rich notes of cherry, raspberry and strawberry that meld with notes of herbs, floral pastilles, cola, smoldering incense and lighter touches of blue fruit, forest floor, cardamom spice, pepper, vanilla and cigar box.
On the palate the medium frame carries juicy acidity, building tannins and round voluptuous textures. Flavors mimic the nose with rich cherry, raspberry and blueberry/black raspberry fruits with notes of cola, smoke, herbs, rose petals, hibiscus tea, earth, baking spices, vanilla and earth. The finish lingers pleasantly.
2015 Archery Summit, Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard
Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon
A very elegant Pinot Noir and texturally what I have come to expect from Shea fruit. Notes of tea, herbs and white pepper mingle with notes of rose petals, dark cherry and pomegranate along with hints of salted almonds and chalk. Elegant and long through the finish.
2014 Ca'Del Grevino, Pinot Noir Grevino
Santa Maria Valley California
Aromas open to show forest floor, underbrush, sage and camphor notes that come with scents of slightly dried red cherries, cranberries, sunburnt strawberry, star anise, cinnamon stick and notes of rooibos, white pepper, cola and hints of eucalyptus.
The palate is medium/medium-plus in body with slightly above moderate weight, alcohol, acidity and tannins. Fruit more present on the palate than the nose with flavors of cranberry, tart cherry, dried strawberry, herbs, garrigue, cola, tea, dried rose, bramble and earth notes.
The savory finish lingers moderately.
2018 Bjornson, Pinot Noir, Havlin Vineyard
Van Duzer Corridor, Oregon
A blend of Dijon clones aged in French oak for 11 months. A scant 125 cases produced.
Aromas show intensity. Notes of wild raspberry, pomegranate, and plum come laced with notes of white pepper, spice, rhubarb, rose bouquet, lavender, salty minerals, graphite, dryer sheets and a pacific northwest forest after the rain.
The palate shows tension and plenty of energy. Crunchy red fruits, florals and minerals come with spice and earth, all showing high intensity. High toned acidity and youthful tannins provide excellent structure. The finish has impressive length and intensity.
A young, well-made wine that has its best years in front of it.
2017 White Rose Estate Pinot Noir The Convivial Feast
Oregon
In the glass aromas showcase notes of wild raspberry, cherry, cranberry and pomegranate that come evenly with sea spray, mineral, spice, bramble, rose bouquet and hints of lilac and earth.
Racy on the palate with high toned acidity and plenty of minerality alongside the balanced tannin structure and fruit density. Flavors display a core of red fruits, raspberry, cherry, pomegranate and cranberry sauce with floral pastilles and spice with touches of bramble, earth and rooibos tea. The finish is balanced and begs for more.
2018 Lingua Franca Pinot Noir The Plow
Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon
Scents of crushed raspberry, cherry and strawberry notes integrate with rhubarb, tea, sea mist, minerals and light hints of rose petal.
The palate is medium bodied and shows a good density and texture. Drying tannins play against the high-toned acidity. Flavors show crunchy red fruits, tea, minerals and rose. Elegant through the finish that is moderate in length.
2019 DiPalermo, Pinot Noir Radian Vineyard
Sta. Rita Hills, California
Aromas blossom showing scents of dark cherries, dark bramble berries and red currants that come loaded with notes of white pepper, sandalwood, cedarwood, smoke and smoldering incense with lighter hints of desiccated rose, sous bois and earth.
On the palate this wine shows plump textures, juicy acidity and ripe tannins. Flavors echo the nose with notes of dark cherry, bramble berries, pepper, sous bois, woodsy tones, smoke and dried rose. The finish lingers moderately.
Based all on clone 667 of Pinot Noir and brought up in 50% new French oak.