Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2013: Lovely translucent ruby-burgundy color; dark cherry, rhubarb, on the nose; cherry, some plum, boysenberry, chocolate, strawberry, whiff of blackberry and tobacco on the palate,
mint hint on the savory finish. Generously full bodied with silky tannin that integrates with bright acidity (3.58 pH) balanced by generous fruit and tasteful use of French oak. Appropriately restrained alcohol (13.4%) for a quality pinot. This is another example of the exquisite work being done in Oregon and why their artisanal offerings should be on your must-taste list in same way New Zealand sauv blanc and Argentine malbec are on your list—delicious wines, at great value on the entry level, rising to terrific value and quality in mid-level (there are higher levels of Willamette Valley pinot I look forward to enjoying in the future, as well as a $22 whole cluster entry offering). Estate Pinot Noir expresses the terroir of three vineyards: acres originally planted in 1983 by winery founder Jim Bernau, Tualatin Estate planted by Oregon wine pioneer Bill Fuller in the foothills of the Coast Range, and Elton planted by Dick and Betty O’Brien on the east face of the Eola Hills (all four of them are senior vineyard farmers/wine makers with vintage résumés). Enjoy this, experience how the Willamette Valley (and Willamette Valley Winery) is part of world-class discussions. $30
