Recent Oregon Pinot Noir Tastings Confirm Consistent Excellence

2013 Boedecker Cellars Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $20, screwcap. Native fermentation, hand punch downs, aged 9 months in French oak barrels, 6 months on the lees with stirring. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Lovely aromas of red cherry, spice, dried herbs, earthy flora and redwood log. Light in weight but flavorful, with tastes of red cherries and berries and blueberry that are earth-kissed. Very elegant, with a deft touch of oak in the background and gossamer tannins. The wine does not have a bevy of nuance, but is very like able. A perfect everyday table wine crafted in a classic Oregon style. Score: 90

2013 Boedecker Cellars Stewart Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 900 cases, $36, screwcap. Release March 2016. A blend from Carlton Hill, Cherry Grove, Finigan Hill, Hirschy, Shea and Stoller vineyards. Winemaker Stewart Boedecker’s favorite barrel selections. 25% whole cluster, native yeast fermentation, 18 months in French oak barrels with lees stirring (first 9 months in a mix of new, once and twice-filled and neutral barrels, last 9 months in neutral barrels). Bottle aged 4 to 6 months before release. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Inviting aromas of cherry, rose petal and woodland lead to a mid weight styled wine with impressive mid palate presence and finish. The core of cherry and ripe strawberry fruit flavors is accented with notes of interesting spices including cinnamon. The tannins are suave, the acidity is bright, and the overall impression is one of complete harmony. A masterful cuvée. Score: 93

2014 Broadley Vineyards Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 3,000 cases, $20. A blend of fruit from several highly regarded vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, wild yeast fermentation, aged 9-10 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose leads with a mixture of dark berry and woodland aromas. Upon entry, their is literally an explosion of fruit goodness, including flavors of black cherry, blueberry and pomegranate. Despite the charge of sappy fruit, the wine retains good balance with supporting tannins, fresh acidity and a touch of oak. The fruit-driven finish is unusually long for an appellation blend. I liked this wine more over time in the glass. A welcome value. Score: 90

2014 Broadley Vineyards Rocky Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $30. This vineyard is located in the Eola-Amity Hills, owned by John and Kathy Zelko, and managed by Leigh Bartholomew. 30% whole cluster. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy aromas of dark fruits and seasoned oak lead to a silky platform of very tasty cherry and red berry fruits with a compliment of spice. Elegantly styled, with comforting balance and welcoming persistence of a red berry medley on the finish. Score: 90

2014 Broadley Vineyards Shea Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 250 cases, $50. Clones 777 and Wädenswil. 40% whole cluster, wild yeast fermentation in 3-ton open-top Taransaud wood fermenter for 14 to 21 days, aged 12 months in 30% new and 70% neutral Francois Frères French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Haunting aromas of black fruits, forest floor and violets. Mid weight flavors of dark red and black fruits with muscular tannins. The wine lacks subtlety upon opening, but the charming fruit emerges over time in the glass. Nicely crafted, with deft integration of oak, this wine needs a few years in the cellar. Score: 92

2014 Broadley Vineyards Estate Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 800 cases, $30. A blend of Pommard, Dijon 115, 667, and 777, and Wädenswil clones from various blocks including the oldest planted in 1981. 90% de-stemmed, wild yeast fermentation in open-top fermenters, aged 12 months in Francois Frères French oak barrels, 15% new and balance 1 to 2-year-old. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Hi-tone aromas of blueberry, black raspberry, spice and iron set the stage for the delicious core of well-spiced cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. Structured, but balanced, with a satiny texture and a finish that clings to the palate for what seems like a minute. The most gracious wine tasted here from Broadley blessed with a grand cru finish. Spot on. Score: 94

2012 Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvée Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.6%, 7,739 cases, $45. A blend of grapes from the Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills and Yamhill-Carlton AVAs, all part of Yamhill County. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 47% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A fresh, forward wine that is eager to please with aromas and flavors of cherry, red berry, spice and a modest grip of oak. Lighter in weight, with lacy tannins, the wine is nicely balanced and offers a burst of cherry on the finish. The least extracted offering in the 2012 lineup, but a solid everyday drinking wine that will please at the table. Score: 89

2012 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 7,982 cases, $70. The winery’s flagship bottling that represents a consistent blend from premier vineyards in the Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity Hills. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 65% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The spirited berry fruits are overlaid with significant oak top notes of coffee and char more noticeable on the nose than on the palate. That said, the oak is not drying. The majestic assorted red and black berry fruit flavors are offered in a mid weight plus style embellished with pleasing spice notes and framed by integrated tannins. Easy to like, with plenty of swagger, boasting a satiny mouthfeel and some finishing exuberance. This wine will appeal to those who enjoy a prominent, but not overbearing oak influence. Score: 91

2012 Domaine Serene Côte Sud Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.7%, 384 cases, $90. Estate grown, produced and bottled. One of seven Evenstad Estate vineyards. 24 acres (19 acres of Pinot Noir), dry-farmed, south-facing, 600 to 680 feet elevation, closely planted in Jory soil. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of boysenberry, blackberry, cardamom spice, and char. The mid weight core of black fruits is complimented by notes of anise, black tea, tobacco and herbs. The fruit has impressive beauty of flavor, although the oak overlay is a bit aggressive for me. The wine finishes with plenty of resonant fruit fragrance. Score: 91

2012 Domaine Serene Fleur de Lis Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 132 cases, $85 (member exclusive). Estate grown, produced and bottled. One of seven dry-farmed estate vineyards located on a hilltop at 720 to 740 feet elevation. Closely planted Dijon clones in Jory soil. An important component of the Evenstad Reserve bottling. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 66% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Vigorous aromas of cherry reduction sauce, strawberry, earthy flora and oak spice lead off. Very elegant in the mouth, with ebullient flavors of dark red and blue berries accented by a deft touch of sweet oak. Impressive acid-driven juiciness, cashmere tannins and good finishing length. Somewhat delicate yet powerfully flavored, this wine is full of sunlight, and exudes harmony and class. Still exceptional the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, taking on a darker fruit profile and maintaining its regal aura. Score: 94

2012 Domaine Serene Winery Hill Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 314 cases, $90 (member exclusive). Estate grown, produced and bottled. Sourced from a 20-acre, dry-farmed, south and west facing vineyard closely planted to several Dijon clones in Jory soil at 800 to 900 feet elevation (highest elevation on the Estate). Planted in 2000 while the winery was under construction. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 57% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Initial conservative aromas of darker cherry, woodland and musk blossom over time in the glass adding inviting scents of baking spices, potpourri and dark berries. Very enchanting on the palate, with a mid weight core of black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors dressed in subtle oak seasoning. Silky in the mouth, with matched intricate tannins, and juicy acidity that infuses the finish with lip-smacking brightness. Still very appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92

2012 Domaine Serene Jerusalem Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 434 cases, $90. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 47% new. Estate grown, produced and bottled. Vineyard is located in Yamhill County’s Eola-Amity Hills. Assorted clones of Pinot Noir are closely planted in sedimentary soil in an east-facing site located at 200 to 300 feet elevation. · Demure aromas of berry jam, exotic tea and sandalwood need time in the glass to emerge. Darker fruits are featured in a middleweight style including blackberry and black raspberry flavors highlighted by a tug of char-driven oak. This wine has noticeably more tannic grip but it is not overwrought. The finish is particularly memorable in this wine for its extended length and opulence. When tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle, the nose was still shy, but the fruit core was even more giving. A good cellar candidate. Score: 92

2012 Domaine Serene Two Barns Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 422 cases, $90. Estate grown, produced and bottled. Sourced from a 38-acre vineyard located on the west side of Dundee Hills. Dry-farmed, west and south-facing, closely planted in sedimentary soils of Willakenzie series. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose presents an inviting marriage of baked cherry and seasoned oak aromas. Impressive depth of fruit, showing flavors of dark red cherries and berries with a touch of spice and oak. Intense attack, attention-getting mid palate presence, and a generous finish that exudes luscious cherry fruit. A dreamy wine with cohesive tannins and acidity and exemplary Dundee Hills character. Score: 93

2012 Domaine Serene Mark Bradford Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 344 cases, $125. Named after Ken and Grace Evenstad’s son and was the first Pinot Noir vineyard planted at Domaine Serene. Estate grown, produced and bottled. Vineyard is one of seven estate vineyards. Dry-farmed, west-facing hillside site at 650 to 750 feet elevation closely planted to several clones of Pinot Noir in Jory soil. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 74% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A slowly evolving, but exceptional nose, offering aromas of cherry tart, raspberry jam, earth and tobacco. The mid weight plus core of black cherry and black raspberry fruits attack with a fury and sustain a presence that really alerts the senses. A somewhat muscular and aggressively styled wine that nonetheless reflects its Pinot Noir genetics and remains silky in its demeanor. The plucky tannins are well balanced as is the smart new oak and the deliciously spicy and berry-fueled finish leaves a memorable impression. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was notable for its seamless character. Score: 94

2012 Domaine Serene Grace Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 340 cases, $175. Estate grown, produced and bottled. One of seven vineyards of the Evenstad Estate. Dry-farmed, east-facing, situated at 540 to 640 feet elevation, with Jory soils. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose extends a number of nuances, including aromas of an array of black and purple stone and berry fruits, spice, bacon and even a floral note. Clearly a classy wine on entry, offering well ripened heady black fruits that are deep on the mid palate, and underpinned by fine-grain tannins, juicy acidity, and compliments of oak-driven toast and black tea flavors. Packed with flavor, but light as a ballerina on its feet, this beauty has a very comforting texture. A very long and expansive finish completes the enjoyment of this majestic wine. Score: 94

2013 Lenné Estate Le Nez Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.54, RS <0.05, $30. A blend of five clones in the estate vineyard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Like a cabin in the forest, this nose is quite woodsy, with aromas of bark, smoke, spice and black cherry. A bit lean, but offering some gratifying flavors of griotte cherry, raspberry and spice. Forward, early drinking with modest tannins and some cherry-fueled finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the fruit flavors had picked up a little intensity, but a green thread lurked in the background. Score: 88

2013 Lenné Estate Estate Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.56, RS <0.05, $45. A selection of the best barrels from the estate vineyard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A shy nose offers primarily earthy and mulch aromas with some dark fruits emerging with swirling. Much more impressive on the palate with a mid weight plus charge of luscious black cherry and black raspberry fruits, nicely spiced and oak-tinged. Impressive fullness in the mid palate with good generosity on the finish. Seemingly reluctant, the wine opened up the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, showing more aromatic brilliance, and more transparent fruit and spice on the palate. Score: 91-92

2013 Lenné Estate Karen’s Pommard Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.57, RS <0.05, $55. Single clone Pommard from estate vineyard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Deep perfume of crushed black cherries with an echo of sandalwood on the nose. The strong attack of mid weight dark cherry, cola and spice flavors grab on to and persist on the palate, carrying over to a glorious finish that treats the drinker with an interplay of cherry and spice goodness. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose was exuberant, and the flavor profile still charming, with a savory herbal note in the background. Score: 91-92

2013 Lenné Estate Eleanor’s 114 Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.52, RS <0.02, $55. Single clone Dijon 114 from estate vineyard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is quite floral, with added aromas of cherry and nutty oak. Like cherry pie day at cooking school, the red cherry and baking spice flavors predominate. The tannins are soft and well managed, and the tight, lip-smacking finish featuring cinnamon spice and cherry is tantalizing. The wine needs a little time to shed some oak overlay, but otherwise is a real charmer. Score: 92-93

2013 Lenné Estate Jill’s 115 Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.52, $55. Single clone Dijon 115 from estate vineyard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Extravagant aromas of cherry and earthy flora lead to a middleweight styled wine featuring juicy flavors of black cherry, blueberry and pomegranate. Lively and bright, with fine grain tannins and an uplifting finish replete with cherry liquor goodness. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine’s elegance was on full display and the wholesome marriage of fruit and savory notes was uplifting. Score: 92-93

2013 Lenné Estate Kill Hill Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.56, RS <0.05, $55. Sourced from the most challenging part of the vineyard and composed of clones 667 and 114. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose was lacking in fruit, offering a display of floral, vegetal and rusty iron aromas. A very earthy and mineral-infused wine with a riper fruit profile of purple and black berries and even raisins. Nicely balanced with a silky mouthfeel, but the ripeness didn’t appeal. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine had a vegetal undertone. Score: 88-89