2012 Airlie Vintner’s Blend Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., pH 3.31, TA 0.75, 150 cases, $35. Dunn Forest (50%) and BeckenRidge (50%) vineyards. Harvest Brix 22.0º. Pommard clone. 100% de-stemmed, high percentage of whole berry fermentation. 4- day cold soak, cultured yeast fermentations, inoculated for malolactic fermentation and aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Six selected reserve barrels were racked to neutral barrels for an additional year of aging. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Only produced when vintages warrant. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of dark berries, black cherry milkshake and forest floor. Gorgeous array of dark red and black stone and berry fruits. Amazing depth of fruit but with well-matched tannins and a satisfying thread of acidity in the background. A huge wine by Oregon standards, yet crafted in harmony, finishing with a lip smacking, fruit jubilee. A bodacious wine built for the long haul, yet thoroughly enjoyable now. Score: 95. Reviewed January 17, 2016

Winery: Airlie Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir