Small Sips of Recently Tasted Premium Oregon Pinot Noir

2013 Seven of Hearts Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.64, 98 cases, $35. A barrel selection from the lots produced from this vineyard. 50% Pommard plus 667, 114, 777 and Wädenswil grown in Willakenzie series sedimentary soil. 25% whole cluster fermentation. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 37.5% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, strawberry, cranberry, and dried herbs. Light to mid weight array of red fruit flavors that are vivid with good crispness. The tannins are suave, there is a faint touch of oak, and the finish is juicy and satisfying. Score: 89

2013 Seven of Hearts Armstrong Vineyard Curmudgeon Cuvée Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.664, 25 cases, $42. A homage to the late Bob Wood who was a wine lover that was the first to “discover“ Seven of Hearts. Clones 114, 667 and Pommard. 50% whole cluster fermented, aged in 100% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate light reddish purple color in the glass. Very expressive nose, offering an appealing blend of cherry, crushed strawberry, spice and toasty oak aromas. The light to mid weight flavors of cherry and raspberry offer good mid palate intensity and length. Nicely crafted, with a bright acid spine, pleasing oak in the background, and a snappy finish. Score: 90

2013 Seven of Hearts Bjornson Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.62, 73 cases, $35. Pommard and 777 clones grown in volcanic Jory and Nekia soils. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 17% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose reflects some whole cluster with aromas of black cherry, wilted rose petal and spice box. Highly satisfying on the palate in a smooth, sleek and easygoing style, with a flavorful black cherry core, a touch of oak and spice, and a silky finish that urges another sip. Score: 91

2013 Luminous Hills Estate Grown Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.61, 347 cases, $35. The “silver label” Luminous Hills blend draws from the entire vineyard and includes 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. Rather savory on the nose, with aromas of wild strawberry and leaf. Modest in weight, but flavorful, with notes of strawberry, cherry, red raspberry and Damsel plum. Light on its feet, with a lip-smacking, citrus-infused finish. Score: 89

2013 Luminous Hills Estate Grown Astra Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.7% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.63, 98 cases, $42. Small production for the first time since 2009. Emphasizes 667 on Jory volcanic soil and 115 on sedimentary soil. An expression of the eastern portion of the vineyard. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Pleasant perfume of fresh cherries, and dried rose petal. Good mid palate attack of red fruit with sinew, accented with a riff of spice and oak. The tannins and acidity are nicely folded in, and the red cherry-fueled finish is delightful. Tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the aromatics were still bright and the juicy red fruit driven flavors appealing. This wine has the balance to age beautifully. Score: 90

2013 Luminous Hills Estate Grown LUX Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.7% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.62, 147 cases, $42. Select lots of Pommard and 777. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Bright aromas of red cherry, brown spice and sandalwood. Similar to Astra, but with a little more fruit intensity and spice pleasure. Nicely balanced, with flavors of black cherry, cranberry and root beer framed by a vigorous tannic backbone and a brisk cut of acidity. Still very enjoyable the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91

2013 Beaux Frères The Beaux Frères Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

$90 ($81). 24- acre, tightly spaced vineyard planted by Mike and Jackie Etzel from 1987 to 1991. Vineyard is farmed biodynamically. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is more savory than fruity sporting aromas of sous-bois, rose and cherry. Rather simple but easy to drink, with mid weight flavors of red and black cherry, Asian 5-spice and a noticeable smoky oak overlay. Definitely better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, when the fruit had gathered more intensity and the oak had receded in prominence. Best to cellar this one a few years. Score: 89-90

2012 Coelho Winery Paciência Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.59% alc., $45. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose suggests some whole cluster with aromas of crushed cherries, exotic spices and rose petal. Caressing in the mouth, with juicy flavors of black cherry, plum, black raspberry and spice in a mid weight style. The fruit really grabs onto to the finish which has impressive length. Score: 90

2013 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 200 cases, $55. A blend of grapes from three different blocks including clones 777 and Pommard. One of Willamette Valley’s oldest vineyards, established in 1971. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. This wine has one of those noses you want to go on sniffing, featuring cherry, cranberry relish, graham and sous-bois. The cherry flavor bursts on the palate, caresses the mouth, and persists on the finish. A touch of red strawberry and spice box adds interest. A cozy wine with modest tannins, a juicy grip, and a crisp finish filled with bombastic cherry goodwill. Score: 93

2013 Ken Wright Cellars Abbott Claim Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., $45. Vineyard owned by Antony and Angela Beck. Vineyard manager Mark Gould. Marine sedimentary soil. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, dried red rose petal and fern leaf. Light to mid weight flavors of red cherry with a hint of red hots and a bit of earthy flora and nutty oak. Flavorful, with nice balance and some finishing intensity. Very good without being special. Score: 89

2012 Patton Valley Vineyard The Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., $38 ($32), screwcap. Winery’s flagship wine. Native yeast fermentation, small lot basket pressing. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. This wine offers a riper fruit profile with aromas and flavors of boysenberry, blackberry and cassis. Mid weight plus in style with modest, integrated tannins, and a complimentary note of sweet oak. Well-endowed, but streamlined, with enough acidity to keep the wine vibrant, finishing with a plethora of dark fruited goodness. Score: 92

2012 ROCO Wit’s End Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 250 cases, $60 ($45). Dijon clones planted in sedimentary soil. Estate grown and vinified by Rollin Soles. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, house-cultured indigenous yeast, post-fermentation soak, aged in French oak barrels for 18 or more months, a combination of new, one, two and three-year-old tight-grained barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Highly scented nose offering aromas of cherry, baking spice, and a floral-based perfume. Superb flavor, with an intense attack and finish that sails along, featuring black raspberry and black cherry fruits. Ideal harmony with balanced t n’ a, and a caressing, velvety mouthfeel. Way too easy to drink. Score: 94

2012 Roots Saffron Fields Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 72 cases, $40. Pommard clone. Aged 18 months in new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Black plum and blackberry aromas are overlaid with notes of toast and coffee grounds. Soft and smooth in the mouth, with flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, spice, dark chocolate, and Hoison sauce with a floral bent in the background. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose offered more purple fruits, less oak and a floral bouquet perfume, with the palate remaining unchanged. Score: 88