2015 Love & Squalor Sunny Mountain Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.59, 50 cases, $52. Release spring 2018. This vineyard is located above the town of Monroe in the southernmost reaches of the Willamette Valley AVA. 12 acres tended by Steve Price, a former Professor of Viticulture at Oregon State University in Corvallis. The vineyard was planted in 2005 to Pommard, “828,” and Mariafeld clones in sedimentary Belpine soil.100% de-stemmed, short cold soak, uninoculated fermentation, manual punch downs, aged in neutral French oak barrels for 18 months. Racked twice before bottling. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose is earthbound, with aromas of earthy flora and underbrush. On the palate, this mid weight plus wine offers a stunningly intense attack of berry flavors including black raspberry, blackberry and Marionberry. Rich and lush, with matched, sultry tannins and a fruit-filled finish that lingers. The wine reflects its warmer terroir origins. Score: 92. Reviewed October 8, 2017

Winery: Love & Squalor
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir