October 21, 2018 - Perhaps a little past prime, but still light and enjoyable. Surprisingly took 2-3 hours to open up and show its balance, beginning with too much fruit. Overall a nice West-coast Pinot for guests use to US Noir. Enjoy now, cheers.
November 7, 2017 - Not much difference in 12 months - a tribute to screw cap?
Moderate fruit, acceptable+
September 24, 2016 - what a difference a bottle makes. My last bottle must've been a bad cork. Wait, there's no cork...Medium body, nice.
August 2, 2016 - Carbuncle colour, mild barnyard aromas. Mid-weight, mid-length, fair fruit - cherries and coffee, mild acidity
Looking at all these temperate characteristics, I wonder if I should downrate it - it sounds more anodyne than it was. But it was drunk at 35000 feet, so allowing for that I'll stick with 87
July 19, 2016 - Yes, 2011 was rough in Oregon. This was especially rough. Down the sink.
April 5, 2015 - Dark garnet colored, medium bodied with predominant dusty rose and spicy black cherry, tones of rhubarb, strawberry and hints cranberry with tones of cassis and red licorice, with a smooth tangy modest tannin finish.
http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/benton-lane-estate-willamette-valley.html
December 12, 2014 - Nice legs! Seems as if they took great care of the grape. Unfortunately, the wine was transparent. Coming from such a great Pinot region and bottled on site, even my novice taste buds noticed how thin this Pinot was. It was clean and smooth. Very drinkable, but I wish it had some taste. Finish was short. Best comparison and tasting note; ever try Vitamin Water? So sad to have spent $23 on this bottle.
October 29, 2014 - - Crimsom color with slow forming legs. It's lacking fruit with a light body. Narrow texture with a medium finish - An uneventful Pinot; very light with no initial character and only a slight lingering aftertaste. If you want a safe selection for guests, here's your choice. Screw top is nice for access but won't benefit from any aging. Cheers.
June 28, 2014 - Giant Wine Sale & Tasting 6/28/2014 (Cellar on Greene, Columbia, SC): Another one of those Pinot Noir's that sneaks up on you. The color is relatively light. The nose is very vanilla with some bramble aroma just like a Zinfandel. The approach is very soft, and until you swish around a bit, not too memorable. But, then the light comes on. The mouth feel is a very complete wine with bright expressive, almost sweet red fruit, commendable balancing acid, gritty little tannins and emerging secondary, earthy stuff. Begging for a decant.
April 16, 2014 - Magenta. Floral and red berry nose. Some pomegranite and cherries, lots of unresolved tannins, and a short to medium finish. I think this needs more time.