~$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.

~$35US 100% Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Purchased this on Steve-O’s (of 3wineguys.com) recommendation a few months ago. Decanted and tasted over the course of 3+ hours. Medium-transparent ruby color. A very tight and mysterious nose at first, but one that opened up generously after 1-2 hours. Floral and fresh - spring wildflowers, lavender and violets, backed by a stony-minerality. As it bloomed, more red fruits appeared and took center-stage. Silky and balanced on the palate - oak, acidity, tannins, and fruit all showed discipline and harmony. Red-delicious apple-peel, some black cherry and some tarry notes added complexity. A long, round finish with a hint of licorice closes the deal. Versatile and very food-friendly.

An Oregon Pinot of serious character, concentration, and structure. Enjoyable now, and with a little decanting it will hold it’s own amongst it’s Californian and Burgundian brethren.