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Willamette Valley Wines presents: Pinot in the City
City Winery, Chicago, IL
Tasted March 7, 2013 by KeithAkers with 1,012 views
Introduction
When I got the email that this would be coming into town, I made sure to RSVP it as fast as possible. To have that many OR wines on display was always going to get my attention. So, I made sure to get there relatively early before the main crowd got there so I could get in more tasting.
Flight 1 - Chehalem Mountains (8 notes)
Red
2011 Colene Clemens Pinot Noir Margo
91 points
Nose: There is a very fragrant and hi-toned quality to the nose with tones of chinese 5-spice, red cherries, red berries, and wild flowers. There is very good depth to this with some good nuance as well.
Taste: Very pretty medium body with medium/high acidity that is very noticeable. The structure certainly lets itself be known along with elegant tones of chinese 5-spice, red cherries, floral tones and some dark red fruits.
Overall: This is a beautiful and feminine pinot. While it is medium bodied, it has a lighter touch and a real prettiness to it. It will need some time to fully show itself and it could really turn into something with time.
Taste: Very pretty medium body with medium/high acidity that is very noticeable. The structure certainly lets itself be known along with elegant tones of chinese 5-spice, red cherries, floral tones and some dark red fruits.
Overall: This is a beautiful and feminine pinot. While it is medium bodied, it has a lighter touch and a real prettiness to it. It will need some time to fully show itself and it could really turn into something with time.
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Red
2011 Colene Clemens Pinot Noir Adriane
91 points
Nose: This is more delicate and perfumed with gorgeous tones of red fruits, plums, red cherries, and wild strawberries. The nose is very attractive with a classiness to it as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and some good tannins. The structure is definitely there, but there are pretty and almost delicate tones of red fruits, plums, spice tones, and wild strawberries.
Overall: This is very young, but there is a lot to like right now. It has a delicate quality to it, but it isn't dainty. Instead it leads more towards finesse and nuance to achieve it's goal.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and some good tannins. The structure is definitely there, but there are pretty and almost delicate tones of red fruits, plums, spice tones, and wild strawberries.
Overall: This is very young, but there is a lot to like right now. It has a delicate quality to it, but it isn't dainty. Instead it leads more towards finesse and nuance to achieve it's goal.
Red
2010 Colene Clemens Pinot Noir Victoria
90 points
Nose: This is well balanced with very good tones of plums, cherries, rose petals, red fruits, and spice tones. There is solid depth to this with it having a more hi-toned quality.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. This is well balanced with very good tones of plums, red cherries, red fruits, and rose petals. The acidity isn't too overpowering and there are good supporting tannins as well.
Overall: This could use a couple of years, but the structure isn't too overpowering.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. This is well balanced with very good tones of plums, red cherries, red fruits, and rose petals. The acidity isn't too overpowering and there are good supporting tannins as well.
Overall: This could use a couple of years, but the structure isn't too overpowering.
White
2010 Et Fille Viognier Deux Vert
90 points
Nose: The nose is more plump with tones of peaches, nectarines, star fruits, creams, and spiced pears. There is nice depth to this with it favoring white fruits.
Taste: Full bodied with medium acidity. The feel is very smooth with a fatter style to it along with tones of peaches, spiced pears, star fruits, and cream tones.
Overall: This is a quality viognier. It has some good depth with it being more on the larger side.
Taste: Full bodied with medium acidity. The feel is very smooth with a fatter style to it along with tones of peaches, spiced pears, star fruits, and cream tones.
Overall: This is a quality viognier. It has some good depth with it being more on the larger side.
Red
2010 Et Fille Pinot Noir Kalita Vineyard
92 points
Nose: Very pretty and aromatic nose filled with tones of red fruits, red cherries, spice tones, and plums. There is really good balance with nice depth as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and good tannins. The structure is showing its youth with lovely tones of red fruits, red cherries, spice tones and red florals.
Overall: This is a really pretty young pinot. There is very good balance on both the nose and palate with nice depth as well. This also has a nice laid back quality to it as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and good tannins. The structure is showing its youth with lovely tones of red fruits, red cherries, spice tones and red florals.
Overall: This is a really pretty young pinot. There is very good balance on both the nose and palate with nice depth as well. This also has a nice laid back quality to it as well.
Red
2009 Et Fille Pinot Noir
89 points
Nose: There is an upfront quality with plush tones of berries, cherries, baking spices, and plum tones. While the fruit is attractive, it's lacking some depth.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium acidity. The feel is smooth and plush with tones of berries, red cherries, and baking spices.
Overall: This is a nice and plush pinot. It does lack some depth, but the fruit is good and upfront right now.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium acidity. The feel is smooth and plush with tones of berries, red cherries, and baking spices.
Overall: This is a nice and plush pinot. It does lack some depth, but the fruit is good and upfront right now.
Red
2011 J. K. Carriere Pinot Noir Provocateur
89 points
Nose: Pretty and perfumed nose of cherries, spice tones, red florals, and bits of red berries. While it's very aromatic, it is lacking some depth.
Taste: Nice and balanced medium body with medium+ acidity. The acidity is a bit noticeable along with tones of cherries, spices, and red florals.
Overall: This is a very good pinot noir. It shows a lighter side to it with very good balance, but it just slightly lacks some depth. It's a very pretty wine right now and should develop with a few more years.
Taste: Nice and balanced medium body with medium+ acidity. The acidity is a bit noticeable along with tones of cherries, spices, and red florals.
Overall: This is a very good pinot noir. It shows a lighter side to it with very good balance, but it just slightly lacks some depth. It's a very pretty wine right now and should develop with a few more years.
Red
2010 J. K. Carriere Pinot Noir Vespidae
92 points
Nose: Very elegant and red fruit based nose with aromatic tones of red fruits, cherries, red florals, spice tones, and a touch of rhubarb. There is very good depth to this with a sense of class too.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity. There are some noticeable tannins as well. The structure is a bit imposing along with very good depth and classy tones of red fruits, cherries, spice tones, rhubarb, and wild strawberries.
Overall: This is a really good young pinot noir. There is very good balance and depth with really good tones on both the nose and palate. This really could develop into something special.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity. There are some noticeable tannins as well. The structure is a bit imposing along with very good depth and classy tones of red fruits, cherries, spice tones, rhubarb, and wild strawberries.
Overall: This is a really good young pinot noir. There is very good balance and depth with really good tones on both the nose and palate. This really could develop into something special.
Flight 2 - Ribbon Ridge (3 notes)
Red
2010 Trisaetum Pinot Noir Coast Range Estate
91 points
Nose: There is. Real elegance to the nose with pretty tones of red fruits, spice tones, raspberries, and floral tones.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and some sneaky tannins. The structure catches you by surprise along with pretty tones of red fruits, spices, and floral tones.
Overall: This is an elegant Pinot. There is a real nice style to it with good elegance and finesse.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and some sneaky tannins. The structure catches you by surprise along with pretty tones of red fruits, spices, and floral tones.
Overall: This is an elegant Pinot. There is a real nice style to it with good elegance and finesse.
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Red
2010 Trisaetum Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge Estate
91 points
Nose: Pretty and hi-tones with tones of red fruits, spices, lots of wild flowers, and plum tones. There is some nice finesse to the nose with good depth as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity. The structure is showing the youth right now along with tones of hi-tones red fruits, cherries, wild flowers, and spice tones.
Overall: This is a very pretty Pinot. There is very good balance on both the nose and palate.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity. The structure is showing the youth right now along with tones of hi-tones red fruits, cherries, wild flowers, and spice tones.
Overall: This is a very pretty Pinot. There is very good balance on both the nose and palate.
Red
2010 Trisaetum Pinot Noir Estates Reserve
93 points
Nose: Beautifully layered nose with perfumed tones of red fruits, cherries, spices, along with lots of roses and wild flowers.
Taste: Gorgeous and silky medium body with medium/high acidity. The structure shows its youth along with beautiful tones of red fruits, cherries, plums, roses, and lots of wild flowers.
Overall: This was showing beautifully. This was one of the best wines on the day and was more open than in january. There was very good depth and layering already. I would love to see where this goes with age.
Taste: Gorgeous and silky medium body with medium/high acidity. The structure shows its youth along with beautiful tones of red fruits, cherries, plums, roses, and lots of wild flowers.
Overall: This was showing beautifully. This was one of the best wines on the day and was more open than in january. There was very good depth and layering already. I would love to see where this goes with age.
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Flight 3 - Dundee (15 notes)
Rosé
2011 Antica Terra Pinot Noir Rosé Erratica
88 points
Nose: There are very nice and pretty aromatics to this with tones of red fruits, fresh picked berries, strawberries, and white fruits.
Taste: Light bodied with crisp medium/high acidity. The feel is very nice and there are very good tones of red fruits, strawberries, and some white fruits.
Overall: This is a really good rose. There is good balance to it on both the nose and palate with a real refreshing quality as well.
Taste: Light bodied with crisp medium/high acidity. The feel is very nice and there are very good tones of red fruits, strawberries, and some white fruits.
Overall: This is a really good rose. There is good balance to it on both the nose and palate with a real refreshing quality as well.
Red
2011 Antica Terra Pinot Noir Ceras
92 points
Nose: Very perfumed nose with lovely and elegant tones of red cherries, minerals, fresh red fruits, a field of roses, and wild spice tones. There is very good depth with a real sense of class and style as well.
Taste: There is a real sexy medium feel to this with noticeable medium+ acidity and some silky tannins. The structure is a bit sneaky as it comes up more on the back end. This also has some very pretty and silky tones of red cherries, minerals, red fruits, and all sorts of roses on the back end.
Overall: This is a gorgeous debut pinot from Antica Terra. Shows the nuance of the vintage and runs with the elegance. I'd love to see where this goes in the future.
Taste: There is a real sexy medium feel to this with noticeable medium+ acidity and some silky tannins. The structure is a bit sneaky as it comes up more on the back end. This also has some very pretty and silky tones of red cherries, minerals, red fruits, and all sorts of roses on the back end.
Overall: This is a gorgeous debut pinot from Antica Terra. Shows the nuance of the vintage and runs with the elegance. I'd love to see where this goes in the future.
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Red
2011 Antica Terra Pinot Noir Botanica
92 points
Nose: Pretty and aromatic nose with tones of rhubarb, spices, mineral rich earth tones, red cherries, and some bits of florals.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and some nice and silky tannins. The feel is very pretty with tones of rhubarb, spices, mineral rich earth, and red cherries.
Overall: This is a very young an precocious Pinot. There is very good depth on both the nose and palate with a real freshness to it as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and some nice and silky tannins. The feel is very pretty with tones of rhubarb, spices, mineral rich earth, and red cherries.
Overall: This is a very young an precocious Pinot. There is very good depth on both the nose and palate with a real freshness to it as well.
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Red
2010 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Premier Cuvée
84 points
Nose: Certainly on the richer side an lacking the elegance of the vintage with tone of dark plums, oak, candy, and wood spices.
Taste: Full bodied with medium acidity and some noticeable tannins. The tones of plums, oak, wood spices and dark red cherries show a richer side.
Overall: This is a chunky and four square wine. It's decent, but really doesn't show the qualities of the vintage
Taste: Full bodied with medium acidity and some noticeable tannins. The tones of plums, oak, wood spices and dark red cherries show a richer side.
Overall: This is a chunky and four square wine. It's decent, but really doesn't show the qualities of the vintage
Red
2010 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Arcus Estate
88 points
Nose: There is noticeable oak right off the bat with tones of dark red cherries, wood spices, candy and dark red fruits.
Taste: Full bodied with medium acidity and some chewy tannins. The tones of dark red cherries, oak, wood spices, and some candy tones are on the richer side.
Overall: The oak is on the heavier handed side, but this does seem to hold it better.
Taste: Full bodied with medium acidity and some chewy tannins. The tones of dark red cherries, oak, wood spices, and some candy tones are on the richer side.
Overall: The oak is on the heavier handed side, but this does seem to hold it better.
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White - Sparkling
2009 Argyle Vintage Brut
90 points
Nose: Nice and aromatic with tones of apples, yeast, white fruits, and some minerals.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity. The feel is polished with very good tones of apples, minerals, pears, and some white fruits.
Overall: This is a real quality sparkler. The minerality has a racy side to it with good balance on both the nose and palate.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity. The feel is polished with very good tones of apples, minerals, pears, and some white fruits.
Overall: This is a real quality sparkler. The minerality has a racy side to it with good balance on both the nose and palate.
White
2010 Argyle Chardonnay Nuthouse
90 points
Nose: There is a creaminess on the nose along with tones of roasted nuts, peaches, and marmalade. There is nice depth on the nose too.
Taste: Full bodied with medium+ acidity. There is nice balance to the tones of creams, roasted nuts, and peaches.
Overall: This is a quality chard. It's a fuller bodied chard, but it isn't too big. There is good balance on both the palate and nose with a creaminess as well.
Taste: Full bodied with medium+ acidity. There is nice balance to the tones of creams, roasted nuts, and peaches.
Overall: This is a quality chard. It's a fuller bodied chard, but it isn't too big. There is good balance on both the palate and nose with a creaminess as well.
Red
2010 Argyle Pinot Noir Nuthouse Willamette Valley
91 points
Nose: Pretty and elegant nose with aromatic tones of roses, spice tones, red fruits, and red cherries.
Taste: Medium bodies with medium+ acidity and silky tannins. The tones of roses, spice tones, red fruits, and fresh picked berries lean towards the feminine.
Overall: This is a lovely Pinot. It has a more feminine style to it and is very attractive.
Taste: Medium bodies with medium+ acidity and silky tannins. The tones of roses, spice tones, red fruits, and fresh picked berries lean towards the feminine.
Overall: This is a lovely Pinot. It has a more feminine style to it and is very attractive.
Red
2010 Crumbled Rock Pinot Noir Juliard
89 points
Nose: There is a nice and attractive coolness to the tones of red fruits, red cherries, spice tones, and some wild flowers.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. There was good balance to the tones of red fruits, cherries, spice tones and wild flowers. The tones are more cool and are fairly laid back.
Overall: This feels like it's drinking pretty well right now. It could use some more depth on both the nose and palate, but the cool and laid back quality to the tones is very attractive.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. There was good balance to the tones of red fruits, cherries, spice tones and wild flowers. The tones are more cool and are fairly laid back.
Overall: This feels like it's drinking pretty well right now. It could use some more depth on both the nose and palate, but the cool and laid back quality to the tones is very attractive.
Red
2009 Crumbled Rock Pinot Noir Dundee Hills
87 points
Nose: This has a darker quality to the tones with tones of rhubarb, dark red fruits, spices, and dark berries.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium acidity. The feel is more plush with solid tones of dark red fruits, rhubarb, dark berries, and a bit of strawberries.
Overall: This was a solid pinot. It has good balance, but it lacks depth along with it's more forward nature.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium acidity. The feel is more plush with solid tones of dark red fruits, rhubarb, dark berries, and a bit of strawberries.
Overall: This was a solid pinot. It has good balance, but it lacks depth along with it's more forward nature.
White
2011 Lange Pinot Gris
86 points
Nose: Fresh and lighter nose of peaches, grapefruit, and some bits of white fruits.
Taste: Light bodied with crisp medium+ acidity. The tones of peaches and white fruits are nice and fresh.
Overall: This is a nice and straightforward pinot gris. It's not the most complex wine, but it's balanced and crisp.
Taste: Light bodied with crisp medium+ acidity. The tones of peaches and white fruits are nice and fresh.
Overall: This is a nice and straightforward pinot gris. It's not the most complex wine, but it's balanced and crisp.
Red
2011 Lange Pinot Noir Reserve
91 points
Nose: There is very nice depth with hi-toned red fruits, cherries, strawberries, and spice tones. The nose has a nice and open quality to it as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity. The tones of red fruits, cherries, and strawberries are well balanced with good depth. The structure shows the youth of the wine.
Overall: While the complexity isn't fully there yet, there is nice depth and balance on both the nose and palate.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity. The tones of red fruits, cherries, and strawberries are well balanced with good depth. The structure shows the youth of the wine.
Overall: While the complexity isn't fully there yet, there is nice depth and balance on both the nose and palate.
Red
2010 Lange Pinot Noir Three Hills Cuvée
91 points
Nose: Very feminine and perfumed nose of red fruits, violets, rose petals, cherries, and strawberries. There is very nice depth, but the nose is wound a bit tight right now.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and some silky tannins. The tones of red fruits, violets, red cherries, strawberries, and a bit of rhubarb are pretty with very good balance.
Overall: The structure isn't too big, but the wine is on the youthful side. The nose is wound a bit more tight than the palate, but there is a really good wine waiting to emerge down the road.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and some silky tannins. The tones of red fruits, violets, red cherries, strawberries, and a bit of rhubarb are pretty with very good balance.
Overall: The structure isn't too big, but the wine is on the youthful side. The nose is wound a bit more tight than the palate, but there is a really good wine waiting to emerge down the road.
Red
2009 Le Cadeau Pinot Noir Diversite
90 points
Nose: Very mineral driven with balanced tones of crushed rocks, dark red fruits, dark red cherries, and some spice tones. There is nice depth with a darker side to the fruit.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium acidity and good tannins. This is nicely balanced with darker tones of dark red cherries, spices, and crushed rocks.
Overall: This is a very nice 09. It isn't as forward as others that I have come across. It has a darker quality to it and it could take a couple of years to fully round into form.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium acidity and good tannins. This is nicely balanced with darker tones of dark red cherries, spices, and crushed rocks.
Overall: This is a very nice 09. It isn't as forward as others that I have come across. It has a darker quality to it and it could take a couple of years to fully round into form.
Red
2009 Le Cadeau Pinot Noir Rocheux
91 points
Nose: This is a very interesting nose with tones of crushed rocks, mineral tones, raspberries, and bits of spice tones. There is nice depth to this with good balance.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium acidity and some good tannins. The structure is there, but not overpowering. There is good balance tones the tones of dark red fruits, raspberries, crushed rocks, and spice tones.
Overall: This could also use a couple of years to round into form. This has good balance on both the nose and palate with a lot of rock and mineral based tones.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium acidity and some good tannins. The structure is there, but not overpowering. There is good balance tones the tones of dark red fruits, raspberries, crushed rocks, and spice tones.
Overall: This could also use a couple of years to round into form. This has good balance on both the nose and palate with a lot of rock and mineral based tones.
Flight 4 - Yamhill-Carlton (25 notes)
Red
2009 Angela Pinot Noir Clawson Creek Vineyard
89 points
Nose: This shows the forward nature of the vintage with tones of tart red fruits, red cherries, spice tones, and some bits of candy. It is slightly lacking in depth, but the fruit is very nice.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium acidity and silky tannins. The feel is more on the forward side with warm tones of red fruits, cherries, plums, and bits of spice. This is just lacking some depth that would really make this better.
Overall: this is a very good pinot. It has a more forward quality to it, but the fruit is nice and balanced. It is slightly lacking some depth, but is very easy to like.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium acidity and silky tannins. The feel is more on the forward side with warm tones of red fruits, cherries, plums, and bits of spice. This is just lacking some depth that would really make this better.
Overall: this is a very good pinot. It has a more forward quality to it, but the fruit is nice and balanced. It is slightly lacking some depth, but is very easy to like.
White
2012 Anne Amie Pinot Gris
86 points
Nose: Fresh with fragrant tones of peaches, minerals, and some lemon peels. It is lacking some depth, but there is nice balance to it.
Taste: light bodied with medium+ acidity. While it lacks some depth, there are very good tones of peaches, lemon zest, and mineral tones.
Overall: While not the most complex pinot gris, it has a nice mineral quality to it. It's very easy to drink and is nice and refreshing.
Taste: light bodied with medium+ acidity. While it lacks some depth, there are very good tones of peaches, lemon zest, and mineral tones.
Overall: While not the most complex pinot gris, it has a nice mineral quality to it. It's very easy to drink and is nice and refreshing.
White
2012 Anne Amie Müller-Thurgau Cuvée A Anne Amie Estate Vineyard
82 points
Nose: This is on the lighter side with a slight spritziness along with tones of white fruits and lemon zest.
Taste: Light bodied with medium acidity. The tones of lemon zest, minerals, and white fruits are easy, but lacking depth.
Overall: This lacks depth and any real definition. It's a nice wine, but not all too memorable.
Taste: Light bodied with medium acidity. The tones of lemon zest, minerals, and white fruits are easy, but lacking depth.
Overall: This lacks depth and any real definition. It's a nice wine, but not all too memorable.
Red
2010 Anne Amie Pinot Noir
88 points
Nose: Balanced and softer nose with tones of red fruits, cherries, spice tones, and a touch of florals. It is lacking a slight bit of depth, but it has a prettiness to it.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and some noticeable tannins. The acidity is on the sharp side along with tones of red fruits, cherries, and some spice tones.
Overall: This is a nice and pretty pinot. It could use a couple of years to sort itself, but it's very drinkable right now.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and some noticeable tannins. The acidity is on the sharp side along with tones of red fruits, cherries, and some spice tones.
Overall: This is a nice and pretty pinot. It could use a couple of years to sort itself, but it's very drinkable right now.
White
2010 Apolloni Pinot Blanc
82 points
Nose: There is a nice minerality to the nose along with tones of white fruits and white florals.
Taste: Light bodied with crisp medium+ acidity. The tones of minerals and white florals are nice, but the mid-palate is lacking.
Overall: This is a nice Pinot Gris, but it isn't all too memorable. The tones are nice, but there isn't too much depth on either the nose or palate.
Taste: Light bodied with crisp medium+ acidity. The tones of minerals and white florals are nice, but the mid-palate is lacking.
Overall: This is a nice Pinot Gris, but it isn't all too memorable. The tones are nice, but there isn't too much depth on either the nose or palate.
Red
2010 Apolloni Pinot Noir L Cuvée
84 points
Nose: There is a very herbal and somewhat green quality on the nose along with tones of rhubarb, herbs, red fruits, and some floral tones.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and some nice tannins. The palate leans green with some stemmy tones, herbs, red fruits, and rhubarb tones.
Overall: This is on the greener side. It is on the delicate side, but is just a bit too herbal.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and some nice tannins. The palate leans green with some stemmy tones, herbs, red fruits, and rhubarb tones.
Overall: This is on the greener side. It is on the delicate side, but is just a bit too herbal.
Red
2009 Apolloni Pinot Noir Estate
86 points
Nose: Fragrant nose with lighter tones of red fruits, cherries, and spice tones. The tones are nice, but lack in depth.
Taste: Lighter bodied with medium+ acidity. There are good and balanced tones of red fruits and spices.
Overall: This didn't taste like most 09s I've had. It seems to have a cooler expression, but it did lack complexity and depth on both the nose and palate.
Taste: Lighter bodied with medium+ acidity. There are good and balanced tones of red fruits and spices.
Overall: This didn't taste like most 09s I've had. It seems to have a cooler expression, but it did lack complexity and depth on both the nose and palate.
White
2009 Belle Pente Chardonnay Belle Pente Vineyard
90 points
Nose: There is a creaminess to the nose with tones of red apples, pears, peaches, some custard, and lemon curd tones. There is nice depth to the nose with it using the creamier style.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium acidity. There is some real polish to the feel and tones of peaches, custard, red apples, and some cream tones with a touch of minerals.
Overall: This is a quality chard. It has a creaminess to it on both the nose and palate, but is far from being too rich and big.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium acidity. There is some real polish to the feel and tones of peaches, custard, red apples, and some cream tones with a touch of minerals.
Overall: This is a quality chard. It has a creaminess to it on both the nose and palate, but is far from being too rich and big.
Red
2010 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Belle Pente Vineyard
90 points
Nose: This has a real class to it with perfumed tones of dark red fruits, plums, cherries, and baking spices. There is nice depth to this as well with an expressive side to it too.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium+ acidity and some polished tannins. Very balanced with silky and polished tones of dark red fruits, baking spices, roses, and some red cherries.
Overall: This has some really good balance with a slightly larger take to it. This has a lot of polish and class to it, it just needs to smooth out.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium+ acidity and some polished tannins. Very balanced with silky and polished tones of dark red fruits, baking spices, roses, and some red cherries.
Overall: This has some really good balance with a slightly larger take to it. This has a lot of polish and class to it, it just needs to smooth out.
Red
2009 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Estate Reserve
86 points
Nose: Upfront with plump tones of licorice, dark red fruits, black cherries, and some plum tones. This has decent depth, but there is a four square quality to it as well.
Taste: Fuller bodied with medium acidity with some supporting tannins. Well balanced with plump, but slightly chunky tones of licorice, dark red fruits, and black cherries.
Overall: It's hard to tell where this will go. It is chunky, plump, and lacking some expression. If it can shed some of that fat then it could really improve. But, right now, it isn't that.
Taste: Fuller bodied with medium acidity with some supporting tannins. Well balanced with plump, but slightly chunky tones of licorice, dark red fruits, and black cherries.
Overall: It's hard to tell where this will go. It is chunky, plump, and lacking some expression. If it can shed some of that fat then it could really improve. But, right now, it isn't that.
White
2011 Big Table Farm Chardonnay
91 points
Nose: Very aromatic with well balanced tones of lemon curds, marmalade, white peaches, and some red apples.There is nice depth to this as well with it holding a slightly larger style.
Taste: Full bodied with very good balance and some very noticeable medium/high acidity. The feel is classy with the structure being a bit imposing, but there are excellent tones of minerals, lemon curds, white peaches, and red apples.
Overall: This is a real winner. It will need some time to balance out, but this could really be a stunner with some age.
Taste: Full bodied with very good balance and some very noticeable medium/high acidity. The feel is classy with the structure being a bit imposing, but there are excellent tones of minerals, lemon curds, white peaches, and red apples.
Overall: This is a real winner. It will need some time to balance out, but this could really be a stunner with some age.
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Red
2011 Big Table Farm Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
91 points
Nose: Very pretty and perfumed nose filled with tones of roses, violets, fresh picked berries, cherries, and some spice tones
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and some silky tannins. The structure shows the youth of the wine along with pretty tones of roses, violets, fresh picked berries, and spice tones.
Overall: This is a gorgeous young pinot. It needs some time as it's more nuanced and subtle, but it's really pretty right now.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and some silky tannins. The structure shows the youth of the wine along with pretty tones of roses, violets, fresh picked berries, and spice tones.
Overall: This is a gorgeous young pinot. It needs some time as it's more nuanced and subtle, but it's really pretty right now.
Red
2011 Big Table Farm Pinot Noir Pelos Sandberg Vineyard
92 points
Nose: Gorgeous and perfumed nose filled with tones of cherries, red berries, spice tones, and various red floral tones.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity that is showing off the youth of the wine. There is nice depth with nuanced tones of cherries, red berries, plums, and lots of red floral tones.
Overall: This is an elegant and pretty pinot. It is a bit precocious right now, but it has some great materials with really good depth as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity that is showing off the youth of the wine. There is nice depth with nuanced tones of cherries, red berries, plums, and lots of red floral tones.
Overall: This is an elegant and pretty pinot. It is a bit precocious right now, but it has some great materials with really good depth as well.
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Red
2010 Scott Paul Cellars Pinot Noir La Paulée
92 points
Nose: This is very perfumed and feminine with good depth and classy tones of red florals, hi-toned red fruits, wild spices, and cherries.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and good balanced tannins. The structure is showing the youth, but there are very pretty tones of florals, red fuits, and spice tones.
Overall: This was a gorgeous young pinot. It could use a couple of years to be at its best, but it's very attractive right now.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and good balanced tannins. The structure is showing the youth, but there are very pretty tones of florals, red fuits, and spice tones.
Overall: This was a gorgeous young pinot. It could use a couple of years to be at its best, but it's very attractive right now.
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White
2010 Shea Wine Cellars Chardonnay Shea Vineyard
91 points
Nose: Very fragrant nose with tones of peaches, apples, lemon peels, white fruits, and a touch of minerals. There is nice depth to this with good balance as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with very noticeable medium/high acidity. The structure is fairly big right now, but there are really good tones of pears, green and red apples, and mineral tones as well.
Overall: This is a really good chardonnay. There is some nice poise and balance to this on both the nose and palate.
Taste: Medium bodied with very noticeable medium/high acidity. The structure is fairly big right now, but there are really good tones of pears, green and red apples, and mineral tones as well.
Overall: This is a really good chardonnay. There is some nice poise and balance to this on both the nose and palate.
Red
2011 Shea Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Estate Shea Vineyard
91 points
Nose: This has a really nice floral setting on the nose with tones of violets, wild strawberries, red berries, red fruits, and some chinese 5-spice.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and some good tannins. The structure is noticeable along with tones of violets, wild strawberries, red fruits, and chinese 5-spice.
Overall This is a sexy pinot. There is a little more plumpness to this than other 11s, but that is just fine. There is some good youthful structure on this and this should be one to watch down the road.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and some good tannins. The structure is noticeable along with tones of violets, wild strawberries, red fruits, and chinese 5-spice.
Overall This is a sexy pinot. There is a little more plumpness to this than other 11s, but that is just fine. There is some good youthful structure on this and this should be one to watch down the road.
Red
2011 Shea Wine Cellars Pinot Noir West Hill Shea Vineyard
92 points
Nose: There is a panopolie of floral tones with roses, violets, red florals, hi-toned red fruits, and some spice tones. There is very good depth on this with it favoring a more expressive side.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and some silky tannins. Well balanced with silky tones of roses, violets, red florals, red fruits, and some cherries.
Overall: This is a gorgeous pinot. There is very good depth and style on both the nose and palate. While this is very attractive now, it feels like it can develop into something even better.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and some silky tannins. Well balanced with silky tones of roses, violets, red florals, red fruits, and some cherries.
Overall: This is a gorgeous pinot. There is very good depth and style on both the nose and palate. While this is very attractive now, it feels like it can develop into something even better.
Red
2010 Soléna Pinot Noir Hyland Vineyard
91 points
Nose: There is a nice tartness to the tones of red fruits, cherries, some bits of earth and fresh picked berries. This also has some nice balance and a higher-tone quality to the tones.
Taste: Very silky medium body with medium/high acidity and good tannins. The structure isn't too big and there are really good tones of red fruits, cherries, spice tones, and fresh picked berries.
Overall: This is a pretty young pinot. There is nice depth on both the nose and palate with the younger tones having a real freshness to them.
Taste: Very silky medium body with medium/high acidity and good tannins. The structure isn't too big and there are really good tones of red fruits, cherries, spice tones, and fresh picked berries.
Overall: This is a pretty young pinot. There is nice depth on both the nose and palate with the younger tones having a real freshness to them.
Red
2010 Soléna Pinot Noir Domaine Danielle Laurent
91 points
Nose: There are a good amount of florals on the nose along with tones of perfumes, fresh picked berries, spice tones, and red cherries. This is very well balanced with good depth as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and nice tannins. There is good balance to the tones of fresh picked berries, wild flowers, spice tones, and red cherries.
Overall: This could use some time to fully sort itself out. It's wound a little tight right now, but is also really good.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and nice tannins. There is good balance to the tones of fresh picked berries, wild flowers, spice tones, and red cherries.
Overall: This could use some time to fully sort itself out. It's wound a little tight right now, but is also really good.
Red
2011 Planet Oregon Pinot Noir
85 points
Nose: Nice and light nose with tones of red fruits, cherries, and spice tones.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. There is nice balance to the lighter tones of red fruits and cherries.
Overall: This is a nice and straightforward pinot. It's not complex or deep, but it is a very nice wine that is easy to drink.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. There is nice balance to the lighter tones of red fruits and cherries.
Overall: This is a nice and straightforward pinot. It's not complex or deep, but it is a very nice wine that is easy to drink.
Red
2010 North Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
90 points
Nose: This is a well balanced and aromatic nose with tones of crushed rocks, red fruits, dark red cherries, and a touch of spice tones.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity. There's very good balance to the tones of crushed rocks, dark red cherries, and spice tones.
Overall: This is a very interesting pinot noir. It's well balanced with a good mineral quality on both the nose and palate.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity. There's very good balance to the tones of crushed rocks, dark red cherries, and spice tones.
Overall: This is a very interesting pinot noir. It's well balanced with a good mineral quality on both the nose and palate.
Red
2010 Soter Pinot Noir Mineral Springs Ranch
92 points
Nose: There is a nice layered quality on the nose with tones of dark red fruits, red cherries, spice tones, minerals, and bits of floral tones.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and noticeable tannins. The structure is youthful, but there are pretty and silky tones of dark red fruits, fresh picked berries, red cherries, and some floral tones.
Overall: This is a gorgeous pinot right now. It can age, but it is shockingly open right now.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and noticeable tannins. The structure is youthful, but there are pretty and silky tones of dark red fruits, fresh picked berries, red cherries, and some floral tones.
Overall: This is a gorgeous pinot right now. It can age, but it is shockingly open right now.
White
2011 WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Gris
88 points
Nose: Very fresh and crisp nose with tones of white fruits, pears, and floral tones.
Taste: Light bodied with crisp higher acidity. The tones of white fruits, white peaches, pears, and some floral tones.
Overall: This is a very good Pinot Gris. It had a very aromatic and floral take to it with nice depth.
Taste: Light bodied with crisp higher acidity. The tones of white fruits, white peaches, pears, and some floral tones.
Overall: This is a very good Pinot Gris. It had a very aromatic and floral take to it with nice depth.
Red
2011 WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Noir Estate Cuvée
86 points
Nose: The nose has nice balance with tones of cherries, spices, berries, and red fruits. The tones are nice, but they are lacking depth.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity. The tones of cherries, spices, and berries are pretty, but are lacking depth.
Overall: This is a nice pinot. It has good aromatics and good balance, but it just doesn't have too much in the depth department.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity. The tones of cherries, spices, and berries are pretty, but are lacking depth.
Overall: This is a nice pinot. It has good aromatics and good balance, but it just doesn't have too much in the depth department.
Red
2010 WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Noir Pierre Léon
91 points
Nose: There is a pretty and lifting quality to the nose with tones of roses, incense, red fruits, cherries, and some earth tones. There is nice depth to this as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and some good tannins. The tones of roses, incense, red fruits, and earth toned are well balanced with nice depth.
Overall: This is a very pretty and precocious wine right now. It could use a few years to fully come together and it should benefit from age.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium/high acidity and some good tannins. The tones of roses, incense, red fruits, and earth toned are well balanced with nice depth.
Overall: This is a very pretty and precocious wine right now. It could use a few years to fully come together and it should benefit from age.
Flight 5 - McMinnville (9 notes)
Red
2010 Brittan Vineyards Pinot Noir Basalt Block
91 points
Nose: Pretty and demure nose with the tones of red fruits, red berries, spice tones, and some dark red cherries. The tones lean more towards the higher-end with a perfumed quality to them.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium/high acidity. The structure is fairly imposing with the acidity being very tart and there are some noticeable tannins as well. Underneath the structure are some seeking tones of red fruits, dark red cherries, and red berries.
Overall: This is certainly on the young side and it does need some patience. There is an extremely good pinot here and it should reveal something gorgeous with age.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium/high acidity. The structure is fairly imposing with the acidity being very tart and there are some noticeable tannins as well. Underneath the structure are some seeking tones of red fruits, dark red cherries, and red berries.
Overall: This is certainly on the young side and it does need some patience. There is an extremely good pinot here and it should reveal something gorgeous with age.
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Red
2010 Brittan Vineyards Pinot Noir Gestalt Block
88 points
Nose: There is a darker quality to the nose with tones of dark red fruits, dark cherries, plums, and some spice tones. The tones are a bit chunky though and aren't too expressive.
Taste: Full bodied with medium/high acidity and some chewy tannins. The palate is a bit chunky with the bigger structure and tones of dark red cherries, plums, some wood spices and a slight bit of oak as well.
Overall: If this can smooth out it can be really good. Right now it's a bit chunky and foursquare, but there are very good tones on both the nose and palate.
Taste: Full bodied with medium/high acidity and some chewy tannins. The palate is a bit chunky with the bigger structure and tones of dark red cherries, plums, some wood spices and a slight bit of oak as well.
Overall: If this can smooth out it can be really good. Right now it's a bit chunky and foursquare, but there are very good tones on both the nose and palate.
White
2011 Coleman Vineyards Pinot Gris Estate
88 points
Nose: There is a real racy mineral quality to the nose with tones of slate, white fruits, minerals, and some fresh picked pears.
Taste: Light bodied with crisp medium/high acidity. There are nice and fresh tones of slate, minerals, and pears. The acidity is very refreshing with a tartness to it as well.
Overall: This is a very good pinot gris. It is nice and refreshing with a real crisp quality on both the nose and palate.
Taste: Light bodied with crisp medium/high acidity. There are nice and fresh tones of slate, minerals, and pears. The acidity is very refreshing with a tartness to it as well.
Overall: This is a very good pinot gris. It is nice and refreshing with a real crisp quality on both the nose and palate.
White
2011 Coleman Vineyards Pinot Gris Cherry Cove
87 points
Nose: Very interesting nose with tones of quince, grapefruits, pears, and nectarines. There is good balance, though it does lack some depth.
Taste: Light bodied with zippy high acidity. The acidity is a bit overpowering, but behind that there are tones of quince, pears, and nectarines.
Overall: This was a interesting pinot gris. It did lack some depth, but it was a different expression from the estate.
Taste: Light bodied with zippy high acidity. The acidity is a bit overpowering, but behind that there are tones of quince, pears, and nectarines.
Overall: This was a interesting pinot gris. It did lack some depth, but it was a different expression from the estate.
Red
2010 Coleman Vineyards Pinot Noir Cherry Cove
88 points
Nose: There are nice aromatic tones of chalk, rhubarb, herbs, and red cherries. The tones are more hi-toned with solid depth.
Taste: Medium bodied with tart medium/high acidity and some good tannins. The tones of herbs, red cherries, rhubarb, and spice tones are well balanced with decent depth.
Overall: This is a very good pinot. It could use a couple of years to sort itself out, but is pretty accessible right now.
Taste: Medium bodied with tart medium/high acidity and some good tannins. The tones of herbs, red cherries, rhubarb, and spice tones are well balanced with decent depth.
Overall: This is a very good pinot. It could use a couple of years to sort itself out, but is pretty accessible right now.
Red
2010 Coleman Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate
90 points
Nose: There is a more hi-toned nature to the nose with tones of red cherries, red berries, wild flowers, and spice tones. There is very good balance to this with nice depth as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with very noticeable medium/high acidity. The structure is making itself known along with tones of red cherries, red berries, spice tones, and wild flowers.
Overall: This needs some time to unravel, but there is a very pretty pinot waiting to come out. There is very good balance on both the nose and palate with a more hi-toned nature to the tones.
Taste: Medium bodied with very noticeable medium/high acidity. The structure is making itself known along with tones of red cherries, red berries, spice tones, and wild flowers.
Overall: This needs some time to unravel, but there is a very pretty pinot waiting to come out. There is very good balance on both the nose and palate with a more hi-toned nature to the tones.
Red
2010 Coleman Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Reserve
92 points
Nose: This is showing some real complexity with tones of spices, red berries, cherries, roses, incense, and some bits of earth tones. There is very good depth with an expressive side to this as well.
Taste: Gorgeous medium body with medium/high acidity that is extremely noticeable. The palate is extremely youthful with flowing tones of spices, red berries, earth tones, incense, and red cherries.
Overall: This is a very young, but very pretty pinot. There is a lot to like about it already with a real sense of style and class on both the nose and palate.
Taste: Gorgeous medium body with medium/high acidity that is extremely noticeable. The palate is extremely youthful with flowing tones of spices, red berries, earth tones, incense, and red cherries.
Overall: This is a very young, but very pretty pinot. There is a lot to like about it already with a real sense of style and class on both the nose and palate.
White
2011 Dominio IV Viognier Still Life
90 points
Nose: Fat, but fragrant nose filled with tones of oils, white peaches, pears, and white florals. There is nice depth to this as well with some style too.
Taste: Fuller bodied with lower acidity. The feel is very good and plump with tones of oils, white fruits, white peaches, and pears. There is good balance to this with decent depth.
Overall : This was a really good viognier. There is a fatness to it on both the nose and palate, but it is far from flabby.
Taste: Fuller bodied with lower acidity. The feel is very good and plump with tones of oils, white fruits, white peaches, and pears. There is good balance to this with decent depth.
Overall : This was a really good viognier. There is a fatness to it on both the nose and palate, but it is far from flabby.
Red
2010 Dominio IV Pinot Noir Willakaia
89 points
Nose: Nice and balanced nose with higher tones of red berries, red cherries, red florals, spice tones and rose petals. The nose is very pretty, but lacking a slight bit of depth.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and nice supporting tannins. Well balanced with tones of red berries, red cherries, red florals, and spice tones.
Overall: This was pretty open right now. It shows off the elegant side of the vintage, but it's slightly lacking some depth.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and nice supporting tannins. Well balanced with tones of red berries, red cherries, red florals, and spice tones.
Overall: This was pretty open right now. It shows off the elegant side of the vintage, but it's slightly lacking some depth.
Flight 6 - Eola-Amity (16 notes)
White
2011 Benton-Lane Pinot Gris
88 points
Nose: Crisp and fresh with tones of minerals, white fruits, and pears. While not too complex, everything is done well with some nice balance.
Taste: Light bodied with zippy medium+ acidity. Nice and crisp with very good tones of minerals, crushed rocks, and white fruits.
Overall: This is a very good pinot gris. It isn't the most complex, but it is well balanced and very refreshing.
Taste: Light bodied with zippy medium+ acidity. Nice and crisp with very good tones of minerals, crushed rocks, and white fruits.
Overall: This is a very good pinot gris. It isn't the most complex, but it is well balanced and very refreshing.
White
2011 Benton-Lane Pinot Blanc
85 points
Nose: Fresh and aromatic tones of melons, spice tones, and some marmalade with a touch of white fruits.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. The tones of melons, marmalade, and white fruits are well balanced but the mid-palate is completely lacking.
Overall: This is a good pinot blanc. It isn't as crisp and focused as I would want and seems a bit larger, but the lacking of a mid-palate is the main problem. It's a very drinkable wine, just not a memorable one.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. The tones of melons, marmalade, and white fruits are well balanced but the mid-palate is completely lacking.
Overall: This is a good pinot blanc. It isn't as crisp and focused as I would want and seems a bit larger, but the lacking of a mid-palate is the main problem. It's a very drinkable wine, just not a memorable one.
Red
2010 Benton-Lane Pinot Noir
86 points
Nose: There are nice tones of dark red fruits, cherries, berries, and some oak tones. The tones are good, but they are lacking depth.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium acidity. The tones of dark red fruits, cherries, and oak are balanced, but are lacking depth.
Overall: This is more on the simple side. It is balanced and has nice tones, but doesn't have that much depth.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium acidity. The tones of dark red fruits, cherries, and oak are balanced, but are lacking depth.
Overall: This is more on the simple side. It is balanced and has nice tones, but doesn't have that much depth.
White
2011 Bethel Heights Chardonnay
88 points
Nose: This has a real freshness to it with tones of red and green apples, white fruits, peaches, and some acacia flowers.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. This had a nice feel with balanced tones of red apples, peaches, and acacia flowers.
Overall: This was a very good chardonnay. There is good balance to it with solid depth.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. This had a nice feel with balanced tones of red apples, peaches, and acacia flowers.
Overall: This was a very good chardonnay. There is good balance to it with solid depth.
Red
2010 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Eola - Amity Hills
90 points
Nose: This is lovely and perfumed with tones of roses, incense, red fruits, and red cherries. There is some nuance and elegance to it as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and silky tannins. The tones of roses, red fruits, cherries, and some baking spices are very pretty with some real nuance to it.
Overall: This will need a couple of years to round into form. It has a real perfumed and elegant take to it with nice depth.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and silky tannins. The tones of roses, red fruits, cherries, and some baking spices are very pretty with some real nuance to it.
Overall: This will need a couple of years to round into form. It has a real perfumed and elegant take to it with nice depth.
Red
2009 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Casteel Reserve
90 points
Nose: There is good balance to the tones of rhubarb, dark red fruits, and plum tones. This is on the more upfront side, but has solid depth as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium acidity and sneaky tannins. There is a plushness to the tones of rhubarb, dark red fruits, plums, and some chalk tones.
Overall: This shows some of the fleshier side of the vintage while holding the fruit well. It could use a couple of years to fully round into form, but it isn't a long distance wine.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium acidity and sneaky tannins. There is a plushness to the tones of rhubarb, dark red fruits, plums, and some chalk tones.
Overall: This shows some of the fleshier side of the vintage while holding the fruit well. It could use a couple of years to fully round into form, but it isn't a long distance wine.
Red
2011 Broadley Vineyards Pinot Noir
87 points
Nose: Nice and fragrant nose with tones of red fruits, berries, cherries, and spice tones. While there are nice tones, they are lacking some depth.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium acidity. There is nice balance to the tones of red fruits, berries, and spice tones. The tones are more straightforward, but are lacking some depth.
Overall: This is a very good pinot and a solid buy for under $20. This is a nice and pretty pinot that is easily drinkable right now.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium acidity. There is nice balance to the tones of red fruits, berries, and spice tones. The tones are more straightforward, but are lacking some depth.
Overall: This is a very good pinot and a solid buy for under $20. This is a nice and pretty pinot that is easily drinkable right now.
Red
2010 Broadley Vineyards Pinot Noir Claudia's Choice
92 points
Nose: There is a pretty and seamless quality to the nose with tones of hi-toned red fruits, red cherries, roses, and some rhubarb. There is good depth to this with a nice expressive side as well.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and some sneaky tannins. There is some real elegance to the tones of hi-toned red fruits, spices, red cherries, and roses with a touch of rhubarb.
Overall: This does need some time to fully show itself. There is a real nice elegance to it with a silky and seamless take on both the nose and palate.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and some sneaky tannins. There is some real elegance to the tones of hi-toned red fruits, spices, red cherries, and roses with a touch of rhubarb.
Overall: This does need some time to fully show itself. There is a real nice elegance to it with a silky and seamless take on both the nose and palate.
Red
2010 Broadley Vineyards Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard
91 points
Nose: There is a real nice freshness and high-toned quality to the nose with tones of red fruits, red cherries, spices, and fresh picked berries.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium+ acidity and some silky tannins. Very well balanced with tones of red fruits, cherries, fresh picked berries, and some herbal whole cluster notes.
Overall: This is a pretty and slighter larger scaled pinot. It needs some time to fully show itself, but it should be really good when it comes around.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium+ acidity and some silky tannins. Very well balanced with tones of red fruits, cherries, fresh picked berries, and some herbal whole cluster notes.
Overall: This is a pretty and slighter larger scaled pinot. It needs some time to fully show itself, but it should be really good when it comes around.
Red
2011 Coelho Winery Pinot Noir Atracao
86 points
Nose: There is a nice and fragrant nose with pretty tones of red fruits, roses, plums, and cherries.
Taste: Lighter bodied with medium acidity. The tones of red fruits, spices, plums, and cherries are elegant and feminine, but the mid-palate is lacking.
Overall: This is a very good pinot. It has a lighter touch to it though it does lack some depth on both the nose and palate.
Taste: Lighter bodied with medium acidity. The tones of red fruits, spices, plums, and cherries are elegant and feminine, but the mid-palate is lacking.
Overall: This is a very good pinot. It has a lighter touch to it though it does lack some depth on both the nose and palate.
Red
2011 Coelho Winery Pinot Noir Estate Paciência
90 points
Nose: Very aromatic with perfumed tones of roses, violets, red cherries, fresh picked red berries, and spice tones.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and silky tannins. There is very good balance with delicate tones of roses, red cherries, fresh picked berries, and spice tones.
Overall: This definitely needs some time as it is a more nuanced and delicate pinot. There are a lot of attractive tones on both the nose and palate. The wine is on the precocious side right now, but could really blossom.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and silky tannins. There is very good balance with delicate tones of roses, red cherries, fresh picked berries, and spice tones.
Overall: This definitely needs some time as it is a more nuanced and delicate pinot. There are a lot of attractive tones on both the nose and palate. The wine is on the precocious side right now, but could really blossom.
Red
2010 Coelho Winery Pinot Noir Paciencia Reserva Estate
92 points
Nose: Extremely perfumed and aromatic nose with loads of wild flowers, red cherries, spice tones, roses, and some incense. There is very good balance and style to this as well.
Taste: Silky medium body with medium+ acidity and understated tannins. This is holding back a slight bit, but the tones of wild flowers, red cherries, spices, and roses are very well balanced and feminine.
Overall: This is in need of time to fully show itself. It is a gorgeous pinot right now with a real silky and feminine quality to it.
Taste: Silky medium body with medium+ acidity and understated tannins. This is holding back a slight bit, but the tones of wild flowers, red cherries, spices, and roses are very well balanced and feminine.
Overall: This is in need of time to fully show itself. It is a gorgeous pinot right now with a real silky and feminine quality to it.
White
2010 Evening Land Vineyards Chardonnay Mad Hatter
92 points
Nose: Very fragrant and open knit with very good tones of white fruits, apples, lemon peels, and some white florals. There is very good depth as well with a real sense of style too.
Taste: Medium bodied with some very tart higher acidity. The structure is very imposing, but there is very good depth and tones of apples lemon peels, minerals, and white florals.
Overall: This is a really good chardonnay. There is real good depth and balance on both the nose and palate. The youth is really showing right now and it would be a lot of fun to see where this goes.
Taste: Medium bodied with some very tart higher acidity. The structure is very imposing, but there is very good depth and tones of apples lemon peels, minerals, and white florals.
Overall: This is a really good chardonnay. There is real good depth and balance on both the nose and palate. The youth is really showing right now and it would be a lot of fun to see where this goes.
Red
2011 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir Eola - Amity Hills
89 points
Nose: The nose is nice and perfumed with tones of red berries, cherries, spice tones and some bits of florals. The tones are well balanced, but it is slightly lacking some depth.
Taste: Medium bodied with tart medium/high acidity. The feel is more nuanced with elegant tones of red berries, cherries, and floral tones.
Overall: This is very well balanced and pretty, but it just lacks some depth to really make it. Still, it's a pretty pinot and one that could develop more.
Taste: Medium bodied with tart medium/high acidity. The feel is more nuanced with elegant tones of red berries, cherries, and floral tones.
Overall: This is very well balanced and pretty, but it just lacks some depth to really make it. Still, it's a pretty pinot and one that could develop more.
Red
2010 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir Seven Springs Vineyard
92 points
Nose: Gorgeous and perfumed nose filled with balanced tones of red fruits, blue fruits, some bits of smoke, iodine, red cherries, and bits of floral tones. Very complex, but it does seem to be holding back a slight bit right now.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with tart medium/high acidity and good tannins. The structure is showing the youth of the wine along with silky and refined tones of red fruits, smoke, red cherries, and floral tones.
Overall: This is a beautiful wine. It's very youthful right now, but this feel like it can really go somewhere. It has a real silky quality right now with very good depth on both the nose and palate.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with tart medium/high acidity and good tannins. The structure is showing the youth of the wine along with silky and refined tones of red fruits, smoke, red cherries, and floral tones.
Overall: This is a beautiful wine. It's very youthful right now, but this feel like it can really go somewhere. It has a real silky quality right now with very good depth on both the nose and palate.
Red
2010 Witness Tree Vineyard Pinot Noir Estate
89 points
Nose: There are some nice aromatic tones of chalk, rhubarb, red berries, cherries, and some spice tones.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. The feel is pretty with tones of chalk, rhubarb, red berries, spices, and some underlying mineral tones.
Overall: This is a very pretty and balanced Pinot. It is lacking some depth on both the nose and palate, but it makes up for that with its softer touch.
Taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. The feel is pretty with tones of chalk, rhubarb, red berries, spices, and some underlying mineral tones.
Overall: This is a very pretty and balanced Pinot. It is lacking some depth on both the nose and palate, but it makes up for that with its softer touch.
Closing
This was an absolute monster of a tasting. Tons of wineries and tons of wines. It's hard to really talk with the winemakers or owners in this environment (though some people do like to bogart said owners and winemakers), but it's nice to get to meet them in person and try to quickly talk to them.
I hope this event happens again next year as it was a real blast with a lot of good wine.