A new and very small project, the winery website mentions only 121 cases altogether, Open Claim Vineyards 2015 Pinot Noir hails from a historic site so named “by the virtue of the Donation Land Claim Act 1850, parcel #68 in Polk County, Oregon was offered in open claim…” Headed up by veteran winemaker Tony Rynders, the expression here is one of subtlety and delight: black cherry and black raspberry twining crushed lavender, dried pomander ball, and underbrush. There is some fleshiness on the palate but that doesn’t weigh it down at all—blithe acidity cuts against fine tannins to a finish of cherry skin, brown spice, and toast. 14.1% ABV | Sample
91 Points