On opening the secondary flavors are off-putting, with a good amount of harsh tannin and bright acidity. Bricking is quite evident.
2 days later the wine was far more enjoyable. Medium strength notes of tobacco and leather on the palate fooled me into thinking this was a Cabernet. The tannins completely smoothed out, backed by good acidity.
So drink by 2027, but wait 48 hours after opening to really enjoy the maturity.
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Now has a noticeable and distinct barnyard quality that suggests a bit of brett. Not offensive, but distracting and very atypical for pinots. Consider an accelerated drinking schedule if you find it in your bottles.
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Somewhat murky and soft medium red. A rich, spicy Pinot Noir, especially for the vintage. Balance is good, and is drinking well at present. Quite fragrant and unmistakably Oregon (big spicy fruit). Seemed quite open for this point in time. Will have to revisit.
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Our flagship wine. Sourced from the first block of our estate vineyard, planted in 2001, solely of Dijon Clone 777. Approximately 450 cases produced.
Named for our first vineyard block planted in 2001, this wine consists solely of Dijon Clone 777, from vines that are now 10 years old. Amazing dark ruby color leads you into dried figs, black currants, marionberries, and leather. The rich palate shows plum, cocoa, blackberry, leather, and a hint of hazelnuts and forest floor. This wine is beautiful now, but will show even better in two to four years, and will cellar well for the next 10 - 12 years. Pair with herb crusted prime rib, spice rubbed seared duck breast topped with poached blackberries, venison topped with dried figs reconstituted in wine, rich mushroom risotto with chanterelles and oyster mushrooms, or a dark chocolate dessert. We recommend bottle aging for at least one year, or cellar and enjoy through 2024. If you’re drinking it sooner, please decant before serving.
This is a bit more restrained than in previous vintages. Very well balanced with very smooth tannins and medium to light body. Wait until 2015 - 2020 to drink and it will be simply elegant.
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2 Days in the Valley- Day 1 (Willamette Valley, OR): Nose: The nose on this leans much more to higher tones with notes of rose petals, red fruits, blueberries, and spice tones. Nice depth as well and very fragrant.
Taste: This has a lighter body to it with noticeable medium+ acidity. There are nice tannins as well with pretty tones of rose petals, red fruits, blueberries and some cherry tones as well.
Overall: This is a really good pinot. Well balanced and while it favors a lighter touch, there is a lot of prettiness in the quality of it.
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11/14/2023 - jmcafee Likes this wine:
This is a real chameleon.
On opening the secondary flavors are off-putting, with a good amount of harsh tannin and bright acidity. Bricking is quite evident.
2 days later the wine was far more enjoyable. Medium strength notes of tobacco and leather on the palate fooled me into thinking this was a Cabernet. The tannins completely smoothed out, backed by good acidity.
So drink by 2027, but wait 48 hours after opening to really enjoy the maturity.
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1/12/2021 - jmcafee Likes this wine:
Now has a noticeable and distinct barnyard quality that suggests a bit of brett. Not offensive, but distracting and very atypical for pinots. Consider an accelerated drinking schedule if you find it in your bottles.
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1/18/2020 - WineAggregate Likes this wine: 90 Points
Smaller in stature than the 2010 magnum, but still a fresh, fragrant nose. More herbal on the palate, in keeping with the leaner vintage.
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8/21/2019 - bear Likes this wine: 88 Points
A nice, light pinot noir but not showing as much as it did earlier.
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4/26/2019 - geoffreychambertin Likes this wine: 93 Points
Super aromatic. Still drinking well and should for several more years.
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9/23/2018 - jmcafee wrote:
Substantially improved following aeration. This will age out just fine until 2023.
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1/29/2016 - aChave wrote: 89 Points
Somewhat murky and soft medium red. A rich, spicy Pinot Noir, especially for the vintage. Balance is good, and is drinking well at present. Quite fragrant and unmistakably Oregon (big spicy fruit). Seemed quite open for this point in time. Will have to revisit.
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8/16/2014 - Lampornis Likes this wine:
From the winery:
Our flagship wine. Sourced from the first block of our estate vineyard, planted in 2001, solely of Dijon Clone 777. Approximately 450 cases produced.
Named for our first vineyard block planted in 2001, this wine consists solely of Dijon Clone 777, from vines that are now 10 years old. Amazing dark ruby color leads you into dried figs, black currants, marionberries, and leather. The rich palate shows plum, cocoa, blackberry, leather, and a hint of hazelnuts and forest floor. This wine is beautiful now, but will show even better in two to four years, and will cellar well for the next 10 - 12 years. Pair with herb crusted prime rib, spice rubbed seared duck breast topped with poached blackberries, venison topped with dried figs reconstituted in wine, rich mushroom risotto with chanterelles and oyster mushrooms, or a dark chocolate dessert. We recommend bottle aging for at least one year, or cellar and enjoy through 2024. If you’re drinking it sooner, please decant before serving.
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir, Dijon Clone 777 100% Estate Vineyard
Appellation: Chehalem Mountains AVA
Harvest Dates: October 26, 2011
Yield: 2.2 tons/acre
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6/4/2013 - jmcafee Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is a bit more restrained than in previous vintages. Very well balanced with very smooth tannins and medium to light body. Wait until 2015 - 2020 to drink and it will be simply elegant.
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1/16/2013 - KeithAkers wrote: 92 Points
2 Days in the Valley- Day 1 (Willamette Valley, OR): Nose: The nose on this leans much more to higher tones with notes of rose petals, red fruits, blueberries, and spice tones. Nice depth as well and very fragrant.
Taste: This has a lighter body to it with noticeable medium+ acidity. There are nice tannins as well with pretty tones of rose petals, red fruits, blueberries and some cherry tones as well.
Overall: This is a really good pinot. Well balanced and while it favors a lighter touch, there is a lot of prettiness in the quality of it.
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