Pale ruby color; red and black fruits, spice box on the nose; black cherry, pomegranate, cranberry, strawberry on the palate.
Dry; smooth, balanced, medium body, relatively simple on the initial pop-and-pour attack but very nicely evolves in the mid-palate and finish. Definitely consider decanting. Boardley makes more sophisticated Willamette pinots for higher prices than this effort, but this works well for what it is—a quality, entry-level Willamette PN from an esteemed winery. Easy going tannins with satisfying acidity makes this a food-friendly pour. Hints of oak from almost a year in neutral barrels; this is well done oak, not a problem.
Craig and Claudia Broadley founded Broadley Vineyards in Monroe, OR in 1981 after traveling to Oregon and falling in love with the region. Their first vintage bottled in 1986. They specialize in hand-crafted wine and relatively small production—around 5,000 cases a year. Today, their son, Morgan and his wife Jessica, manage the operation with the help of their two children, Olivia and Savanna—although the parents are quick to assert their daughters will make their own decisions about careers when the time comes.
Their website notes: “Our estate vineyard is farmed using sustainable farming practices. We use organic material to promote healthy growth in our vines. Sustainability is a part of our daily life and we believe it is essential for our future.”
The winery is located in what once was a car dealership. Broadley focuses only on Oregon pinot noir. The Broadleys believe open-top, wooden fermentation vessels impart richer and deeper complexity. They use whole clusters in the fermentation to add more intensity, structure, and character to the wine. They also train their vines using the lyre trellis system, which splits the canopy into two walls of grapes to give more sun exposure and air flow.
Broadley Vineyards Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2016 reflects the Broadley style of ripe, concentrated flavors and classic strawberry and raspberry fruit notes with a hint of chocolate. This is affordable entry into the Broadley world of quality Willamette Valley pinot noir. Pair with roast chicken, turkey, beef brisket, pork tenderloin, vegetarian lasagna, pizza and burgers/sliders, sloppy joes, roasted or grilled lobster. $18-22
