2015 Anam Cara Heather’s Reserve Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 48 cases, $75. Release in spring 2018. Normally the Heather’s bottling reflects the most elegant expression of the vintage. Sourced from the coolest part of the vineyard, a 5-acre block of Dijon clone 114. Originally this bottling came exclusively from this block, but over time other qualifying once-filled barrels have been added to the blend. 50% Dijon 114 (reserve rows), 25% Wädenswil and 25% Dijon 115. Aged in 100% once-filled French oak barrels. The 2015 vintage produced a rather gender-bending expression of Heather’s in that the wine is much bolder than in year’s past. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of darker cherry, Nutella and white chocolate. The opulent black cherry and plum fruit is heady yet light on its feet and well supported by mature tannins. Not as elegant as in past vintages, and maybe not as giving at this stage as other wines in the lineup, but doesn’t disappoint. Score: 92. Reviewed February 21, 2018

Winery: Anam Cara Cellars
From article: Embraceable (and Affordable) New Pinot Noir Releases from Oregon