Friday night, time to relax and wind down from a long week. Drop this into a decanter and consume with spouse over 2+ hours. Light and elegant this shows tart red fruits (raspberry, cranberry) orange peel and hints of baking spices. Still an acid driven wine but I do enjoy these cooler WV vintages.
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Weighing in at 11.2% ABV one has to wonder is this going to be light an thin? Heck no. While it is light on its toes it is elegant and smooth. Expressive nose showing tart red fruits (rhubarb, raspberry, cranberry) over pine needles and orange peel. Bright palate with those tart red fruits, citrus, moving into chokecherry / blackberry fruits. Bits of forest floor and after several hours bits of mushroom. Acid driven wine with supple tannins bringing up the rear. Love the fact it doesn't need to be gussied up in a cooler vintage. WELL DONE!
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Very pale, red rose color, the nose is sweet rosewater to start, then very delicate notes of rhubarb, white pepper, fennel, and smoke as it opened. The acidity and finish are both quite light to me, but it paired well with seared salmon and sauteed leeks. I have no idea how it would stand up to (or improve with) age, it is just so delicate. I do like low-alcohol wines; I can drink 2-3 glasses no problem.
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Rather pale in color - almost like a dark rose. Lovely complex nose of red fruit with some melon and spice overtones. Light in flavor yet with a substantial, long finish. Lots of acid. Very low alcohol at 11.2 %. Dominated by tart red cherry with nuances of blackberry, leather, and, yes, tomato. Delightfully complex. Probably better solo than with food so you can appreciate the uniqueness of the wine. Pretty much ready to drink now but should improve for one or two years. Might go longer. A lovely light Pinot Noir. NOTE: I did NOT decant this and based on its evolution over an hour or so I would not recommend decanting this wine.
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Quite on the lean side, even by Willamette standards, but not a surprise considering the harvest time challenges of the vintage. That said, a tip of the cap to the winemaker for producing something beautiful. If you're looking for the depth & richness of 2012, you won't find it, but this has an expressive elegant delicacy that keeps you interested. Nice mix of red fruit, earthiness, tobacco leaf, and something savory with just a whisp of smoke. Also has a slight tangy tomato-ish kind of feel, almost like someone accidentally dropped a pinch of Sangivese in it. Was completely overwhelmed by mushroom soup, so stick to very light fare, or better yet enjoy it on its own where the nuances can really shine. Another year should round this out and make it even better, however don't see this as one for holding long term.
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4/4/2021 - beef1020 wrote: 93 Points
Very nice, high acidity, smooth tannins
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3/28/2020 - MarkandBetty Likes this wine:
Mild and yet flavorful. Almost dry.
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10/12/2018 - Bellissimo Likes this wine:
Friday night, time to relax and wind down from a long week. Drop this into a decanter and consume with spouse over 2+ hours. Light and elegant this shows tart red fruits (raspberry, cranberry) orange peel and hints of baking spices. Still an acid driven wine but I do enjoy these cooler WV vintages.
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4/17/2017 - Sourdough Likes this wine: 89 Points
Consistent with prior tasting. Probably near its peak by my palate. Very together. Delightfully light.
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12/17/2016 - Bellissimo Likes this wine:
Weighing in at 11.2% ABV one has to wonder is this going to be light an thin? Heck no. While it is light on its toes it is elegant and smooth. Expressive nose showing tart red fruits (rhubarb, raspberry, cranberry) over pine needles and orange peel. Bright palate with those tart red fruits, citrus, moving into chokecherry / blackberry fruits. Bits of forest floor and after several hours bits of mushroom. Acid driven wine with supple tannins bringing up the rear. Love the fact it doesn't need to be gussied up in a cooler vintage. WELL DONE!
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12/7/2015 - ex-sommelier Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very pale, red rose color, the nose is sweet rosewater to start, then very delicate notes of rhubarb, white pepper, fennel, and smoke as it opened. The acidity and finish are both quite light to me, but it paired well with seared salmon and sauteed leeks. I have no idea how it would stand up to (or improve with) age, it is just so delicate. I do like low-alcohol wines; I can drink 2-3 glasses no problem.
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11/16/2015 - Sourdough Likes this wine: 89 Points
Rather pale in color - almost like a dark rose. Lovely complex nose of red fruit with some melon and spice overtones. Light in flavor yet with a substantial, long finish. Lots of acid. Very low alcohol at 11.2 %. Dominated by tart red cherry with nuances of blackberry, leather, and, yes, tomato. Delightfully complex. Probably better solo than with food so you can appreciate the uniqueness of the wine. Pretty much ready to drink now but should improve for one or two years. Might go longer. A lovely light Pinot Noir. NOTE: I did NOT decant this and based on its evolution over an hour or so I would not recommend decanting this wine.
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10/30/2015 - millerarner wrote: 91 Points
Quite on the lean side, even by Willamette standards, but not a surprise considering the harvest time challenges of the vintage. That said, a tip of the cap to the winemaker for producing something beautiful. If you're looking for the depth & richness of 2012, you won't find it, but this has an expressive elegant delicacy that keeps you interested. Nice mix of red fruit, earthiness, tobacco leaf, and something savory with just a whisp of smoke. Also has a slight tangy tomato-ish kind of feel, almost like someone accidentally dropped a pinch of Sangivese in it. Was completely overwhelmed by mushroom soup, so stick to very light fare, or better yet enjoy it on its own where the nuances can really shine. Another year should round this out and make it even better, however don't see this as one for holding long term.
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