2009 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., 92 cases, $38.
The fruit is primarily from the Johan Vineyard. 75% whole cluster, native yeast
fermentation, aged 10 months in one new and two used French oak barrels.
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Moderately light reddish-purple color with a slight haze (unfiltered) in the glass.
Aromas of berry patch, farmyard, smoke, tar and pine. Medium weighted flavors
of blueberries, cherries and boysenberries with hints of cola and a fairly strong
tarry note from the whole cluster. Supple, fine-grain tannins with a soft mouth
feel. Tasted twice a few months apart. Decent.
2008 Winderlea Vineyard & Winery Dundee Hills Vineyards Oregon Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $36.
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Moderate
reddish-purple color in the glass. Alluring aromatics displaying scents of black cherries, violets and a hint of
oak spice picking up intensity over time in the glass. A fruity wine with a tasty core of cherry and berry fruit
accented by oak-driven flavors of anise, vanillin and smoke. A good snap of acidity brings up the refreshing
finish. The most approachable of the three 2008 Winderlea wines. Still fine two days later from a previously
opened and re-corked bottle indicating it will last in the cellar. Good (+).
2008 Winderlea Vineyard & Winery Ana Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $50. Own-rooted vines planted in 1976 on a 350’ to
450‘ ridge. Pommard and 777 clones. Owned and farmed by Andy Humphrey.
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Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed mix of berries
with a strong scent of oak. Tasty core of red strawberries and raspberries and
chocolate-covered cherries with an underpinning of oak char that fans out on the
palate. Still a bit rough hewed and tannic, but offers some charming fruit that has
good persistence. Should improve in the cellar as the tannins meld and the oak
integrates further. Very good.
2008 Winderlea Vineyard & Winery Winderlea Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., $53.
From a 20-acre estate vineyard planted in 1974 (formerly Goldschmidt Vineyard). 480 foot elevation,
southwest exposure, Jory soils.
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Moderately light reddish-purple in the glass. Shy dark red fruit aromas with
hints of baking spice, dried herbs and oak. Delicate flavors of red cherries, cranberries and red currants
finishing with a hint of oak, green herbs, spice and grapefruit peel. A bit shallow on the mid palate and finish,
leaving you wanting more. Soft and silky in the mouth with a lively grip of acidity. Picks up some charm over
time in the glass. Still holding its own two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Tasted
twice with consistent results. Good (+).
