2010 Bethel Heights Estate West Block Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., pH 3.31, TA .0645, 132 cases, $50. The heart of the West Block is a 5-acre section of Wädenswil (UCD 1A) clone vines planted in 1977 on their own roots and are the oldest Pinot Noir vines at Bethel Heights. The Wädenswil tends to be late ripener with higher acidity and darker color. 100% destemmed fruit. Barrel aged 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Alluring aromatics bursting forth from the glass with notes of dark berry preserves, black currants, dark cocoa, truffle and subtle herbs. Quite earthy, featuring rich black fruit flavors with hints of black tea leaf and tar, finishing with impressive fruitdriven intensity and length. The wine offers a mild grip of tannin and well integrated acidity. Quite typical of Wädenswil clone. Better two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good. Reviewed January 19, 2013

Winery: Bethel Heights Vineyard
From article: Sips of Oregon Pinot Noir