Soter Mineral Springs Brut Rosé 2011
I was pleasantly surprised by this sparkling blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. The 2011 Mineral Springs Brut Rosé has spent three years en tirage, further it’s hand riddled and production is limited to 50 cases. Salmon-hued with a delicate mousse, it’s a lovely juxtaposition between fruit and brisk acidity. Racy tangerine and […]
Angela Estate Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir 2011
I’ve always been fond of Angela Pinot Noir, for those of you not in the know, this it’s made by Ken Wright, for those of you who aren’t fans of Ken’s wines, Angela possesses none of that Oregon funk his wines are famous for. What Angela does have, in abundance, is complexity. Lovely, lush layers […]
Soter Mineral Springs Pinot Noir 2005
From the Yamhill-Carlton district of Willamette Valley, Soter’s Mineral Springs Pinot Noir is among their best sites and the 2005 vintage was the inaugural release of the label. Elegant aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant and the faintest top note of Market Spice Tea, dried rose petals and incense. The frame is quite spare and lean, […]
Soter Beacon Hill Pinot Noir 2005
Soter’s 2005 Beacon Hill Pinot Noir is at the zenith of its life, or possibly just past it. Even so, it still offers nice range on the nose and palate with a whiff of incense set against dried cherries and rose petals. In the mouth, it’s quite spare and wiry, lighter in body than I […]
Shea Wine Cellars Wädenswil Clone Pinot Noir 2004
Wädenswil is a select clone originating in Wädenswil, Switzerland from ancient clones brought to Zurich by Swiss mercenaries (Swiss mercenaries?) who fought in the Burgundian Wars of the 1470s. The 2004 Shea Wine Cellars Wädenswil has a lot of power, it’s not so much a about fruit as it is about power. Dark and brooding, […]
Shea ‘East Hill’ Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2004
As with the 2004 ‘Homer’, the Shea ‘East Hill’ Pinot Noir is mature, and is drinking well now. The aromatics are decidedly on the masculine side with intense, savory notes of preserved meat, woodsmoke, incense, dried herbs, and black tea. This profile carries over on the palate giving the impression of a wine that is […]
Shea ‘Homer’ Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2004
The 2004 Shea ‘Homer’ Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is well within its drinking window, perhaps in the waning daylight of its splendor. Beautifully complex aromas of forest floor, damp leaves, truffles, mushroom, black cherries, and spice. On the palate, its medium-bodied with gorgeous concentration of fruit, and an energetic jolt of nervy acidity, making for […]