2006 Anam Cara Cellars Mark I Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

15.0% alc., 50 cases, $65. This wine is an estate vineyard barrel selection aged in 50% new French oak barrels. Primarily Pommard clone. Named for son, Mark, and is the first vintage of this wine. Intended for the cellar. · Reserved scents of dark cherries and strawberries with a hint of oak. Thick and chewy dark fruits which are at first brooding but pick up life and interest with time in the glass. Nicely composed and balanced. Like a big bear in hibernation who has yet to emerge. Potentially the most magnificent wine in the lineup, but 3-5 years away from maturity. Reviewed May 7, 2009

Winery: Anam Cara Cellars
From article: Anam Cara Cellars: Celtic Pride in Every Bottle