Vital Vineyards, Pinot Noir 2005, Willamette Valley
~$22US, 100% Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley Oregon
Brilliant and transparent deep rose red, with purplish tints. Very aromatically exciting and complex, with equal parts old- and new- world showing. Fresh strawberries, right from the patch, iron-like animal blood notes, warm rubber tires, secondary oriental spice box notes with clove and sandalwood. Strawberry and chocolate Quik Milk mix. Earthy and primal. Really some interesting-new-to-me flavors going on here…auspicious.
Lush and soft on the palate - really juicy and seductive. Perfect integration through the midpalate with silky tannins. The oak is fully married to the fruit, pulling through with spice elements. Strawberries and the whole strawberry patch for days. Definitely has an earthly old-world cloak around a core of perfectly ripened Oregon fruit. I applaud the fact that it is 13% ABV, but full of flavor and food friendly with medium-bodied. Some third tier floral notes arrive - chamomile. Medium-length finish. The acidity is good and balanced - only my personal preference for a tad more acidic bite would improve my overall impression.
This wine is absolutely is rocking right now, ready-to-drink, and I can see it staying strong for another 3-5 years. Very fine value to boot - in my opinion, more fun and easier to drink then my last Willamette Pinot. Kudos to the wine-maker for creating a striking, vibrant, and vital wine. Enjoy with roast duck.