Oregon Pinot Noir Update
By Josh Raynolds
The 2011 harvest was the latest ever recorded in the Willamette Valley for most growers, in many
cases extending into the first week of November. In theory, grapes picked well into the fall can
achieve true ripeness, fleshiness and dramatic complexity. But for that to happen the vines must
enjoy at least a reasonably normal growing season before getting to that point, and in 2011 this
simply was not the case.
Two thousand eleven got off to an auspicious start with a large crop set, but then things went south
quickly. The weather stayed cool to cold through the summer and sugar levels crept upward at a
frighteningly slow pace. Experienced growers here learned long ago not to panic over projections for
rain in September but this year no one had any choice but to sit and wait for their fruit to ripen. The
weather finally turned clear and warm in early October, which kick-started the fruit, and harvesting
began in most cases around the 15th. Happily, conditions were glorious for the next three weeks.
While the IWC is loath to jump on the vintage-chart bandwagon, I can't recall another growing season
that was described as "the most stressful ever" by every single grower and producer with whom I've
talked or traded e-mail.
So I won't fault anybody for generalizing that 2011 was a sub-par year, perhaps the weakest overall
in the last decade. But as with all things wine, it just isn't that simple. Many of the 2011s I tried are
lovely, precise, low-octane wines that will appeal to wine lovers who are turned off by what some call
the grenache style of pinot noir: inky color, high alcohol, dark fruit character and general heaviness.
Of course, there are an awful lot of tart--even screechy--wines out there so smart consumers will
tread carefully through this vintage. But as was the case in 2005 and 2007, 2011 will provide plenty
of extremely pleasant surprises.
The problem with vintage charts is that they simply cannot convey the complexities of a great or
difficult growing season or harvest and also take into account the triumphs and failures experienced
by individual producers. They also can't adequately address the complexity and sheer expanse of a
region like the Willamette Valley: just because things were dodgy up in the Dundee Hills, were
conditions exactly the same down in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA? Even more complicated and impossible
to convey with a handy vintage chart is the fact that it's perfectly possible for a grower or winemaker
to botch things up after a great season while his neighbors knock it out of the park. The converse is
also true: a producer can nail it after a difficult growing season. That's pretty uncommon but it
happens, and it happened in 2011 in the Willamette Valley. Great producers, like great vineyards,
distinguish themselves by their ability consistently to produce good, even great, wines under arduous
vintage situations, and 2011 was just the year to prove or disprove this theory.
Most wineries' high-end 2010s have been released since last year's report and the best wines are
among the finest I've tasted from the Willamette Valley in over a decade. This was another cool year
but the wines, in general, have more sweetness and power than all but the cream of the 2011 crop.
I've also had the chance to revisit quite a few 2009s over the last 12 months, and these wines
continue to stand in sharp contrast to the '10s, and, naturally, the '11s. Broader, deeper and more
masculine, most 2009s will be prized by fans of brawny, deeply fruity pinots, but there's plenty of
elegance to the top wines as well.
2010 Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir Loie's Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills
($75) Light, bright, slightly hazy red. Vibrant, high-pitched aromas of red berry preserves, rose oil, Asian
spices, orange zest and white pepper. Tangy acidity gives a bracing quality and excellent lift to
concentrated, sharply focused raspberry, cherry and spicecake flavors. Stains the palate but betrays no
excess weight or easy sweetness. Shows an impressive marriage of power and vivacity, with strong
finishing punch, silky tannins and penetrating minerality. This wine's clarity and balance are superb.
94
2010 Cristom Vineyards Pinot Noir Eileen Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($50) Vivid ruby-red. An exotic perfume of red fruit preserves, blood orange and candied flowers, along
with an Asian spice nuance that strengthens with air. Shows very good clarity and intensity on the
palate, offering gently sweet black raspberry and rose pastille flavors and a zesty kick of cinnamon.
Spicy and precise on the strikingly persistent finish, which features silky tannins and lingering floral
notes. 94
Priced from: 44.99
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2010 Thomas Pinot Noir Dundee Hills
($50) Vivid ruby. Pungent earth- and spice-accented black raspberry and cherry-cola aromas are lifted
by a suave floral quality that gains strength with air. Deeply pitched, energetic dark fruit flavors take a
brighter turn with air and pick up spicecake and anise nuances, along with a hint of smokiness. Chewy
and penetrating on the strikingly persistent finish, which features supple tannins, lingering spiciness an a
touch of smokiness.
94
2009 Soter Vineyards Pinot Noir Mineral Springs Ranch Yamhill Carlton District
($85) (made with 30% whole clusters and 40% new oak): Vivid ruby-red. Powerfully scented aromas of
candied red fruits, cola, incense and Asian spices, with a bright mineral overtone. Stains the palate with
sappy black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors that are lifted and braced by a zesty mineral quality.
Closes sweet, spicy and very long, with silky tannins that fade into the wine's dense fruit. Pretty
seductive right now but I wouldn't consider broaching this pinot for at least another five years. 94
Priced from: 41.95
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2009 De Ponte Cellars Pinot Noir Shirley's Gran Reserva Dundee Hills
($100) Bright ruby-red. Heady, floral- and spice-accented aromas of black raspberry and cherry-cola,
with a note of licorice adding depth. Sappy, penetrating red fruit preserve and rose pastille flavors show
an alluring sweetness and gain weight as well as energy with air. Sweet and lively on a subtly tannic
finish of power and elegance. This wine was aged for two years in new French oak.
93
2011 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Notorious Yamhill County
($75) (100% new oak): Vivid ruby-red. Powerful, oak-spiced aromas of cherry, dark berry preserves,
cola and smoky Indian spices. Sweet and velvety on the palate, offering suave black raspberry and
cherry compote flavors and an invigorating jolt of allspice on the back half. Packs a serious punch but
comes off energetic and precise. Finishes with excellent clarity and persistence. Just 12.5% alcohol
here, by the way.
93
2010 Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir Weber Vineyard Dundee Hills
($58) Light, bright red. High-pitched, mineral- and floral-accented red fruits on the nose, with a licorice
nuance adding depth. Spicy, focused and pure, offering intense raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a
refreshing kick of blood orange. Distinctly energetic and incisive on the focused, tenacious finish.
93
2011 Antica Terra Pinot Noir Botanica Willamette Valley
($75) Vivid ruby-red. A heady, complex bouquet evokes black raspberry, cherry-cola, Asian spices and
dried rose. Sweet and penetrating, with impressively pure red and dark berry flavors lifted by zesty
acidity and a hint of allspice. Intensely flavored but surprisingly elegant, with strong finishing punch and
smooth, even tannins adding shape. This sexy pinot has great upfront appeal, especially for fruit freak,
but I'd be stashing mine away for a few more years, at a minimum.
93
Priced from: 79.95
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2010 Kelley Fox Wines Pinot Noir Momtazi Vineyard McMinnville
($40) Vibrant red. Pungent, floral- and spice-accented aromas of wild berries and incense, with a zesty
mineral quality adding lift. Sappy, focused and pure, offering sweet black raspberry and cherry-cola
flavors and a touch of Indian spices. The floral and smoke notes come back strong on the finish, which
clings with excellent tenacity and appealing sweetness. 93
2010 Kelley Fox Wines Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills
($60) Brilliant red. Musky aromas of raspberry, cherry, smoky minerals and cured meat, with a strong
floral overtone. Sweet and fine-grained, with surprising depth to its vibrant flavors of red berry
preserve, rose and anise. Packs a serious punch but comes off lithe. Finishes tangy, smoky and
extremely long, with silky tannins adding shape. 93
2010 Amalie Robert Estate Pinot Noir Wadenswil Clone Willamette Valley
($50) Bright red. High-pitched cherry and Asian spice aromas are deepened by notes of sassafras,
woodsmoke and cola. Stains the palate with sappy red and dark berry flavors and tangy acidity adding
lift and cut. An exotic floral nuance emerges with air and carries through a long, sweet and persistent
finish. While this energetic pinot is built to age, it has a lot of immediate appeal. 93
2010 Le Cadeau Vineyard Pinot Noir Merci Willamette Valley
($80) Vivid ruby. Intense red fruit preserve, blood orange and incense aromas are complemented by
deeper-pitched notes of cola and fruitcake. Packs a serious punch but comes off as surprisingly
vivacious, offering sweet black raspberry and cola flavors and a touch of rose pastille. Finishes with
excellent clarity and length and fine-grained tannins. This pinot should age slowly and gracefully.
93
2010 Stoller Vineyards Pinot Noir Cathy's Reserve Dundee Hills
($100) Bright ruby-red. Sexy, expansive aromas of red fruit liqueur, incense, rose pastille and vanilla,
with a smoky overtone. Fleshy and seamless, offering sweet black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors
sharpened by notes of white pepper and orange pith. The vanilla quality comes back on the sweet,
focused, youthfully tannic finish. The wine's 100% new oak is playing very nicely with its plush fruit.
93
2010 Tendril Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Tightrope Willamette Valley
($64) (a 50/50 blend of fruit grown in the Mt. Richmond and Saffron Fields vineyards, which are both in
the Yamhill-Carlton subzone; 19 months in oak, 75% new): Bright ruby-red. Dark berry liqueur, cola and
licorice on the nose, with vanilla and woodsmoke elements building in the glass. Supple and expansive,
offering sweet black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors accented by candied flowers and spicecake.
Finishes with impressive power and length, leaving suave rose pastille and allspice notes behind. 93
2007 J Christopher & Dr Loosen Pinot Noir Appassionata Willamette Valley
($75) Bright red. A highly perfumed bouquet displays fresh strawberry, potpourri, vanilla and smoky
herbs. Spicy red and dark berry flavors show excellent focus and gain energy in the glass. Blood orange
and spicecake flavors build with air and carry through a long, sappy and penetrating finish that betrays
just a hint of tannins. Fully mature and utterly delicious but has the balance to age further.
93
2010 Matello Winery Pinot Noir Souris Willamette Valley
($45) Vivid red. Heady, seductively perfumed bouquet melds candied red fruits, Asian spices, black tea
and cola. Powerful yet lithe, offering sweet black raspberry and spicecake flavors that put on weight
with air. Shows excellent clarity on the finish, which features gently chewy tannins and a late jolt of
candied rose. By all means decant this one if you insist on drinking it now or anytime soon.
93
2010 Biggio Hamina Cellars Pinot Noir Caroline Zenith Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($75) Brilliant red. Fresh red berries and candied flowers on the intensely perfumed, spice-accented
nose. Silky and sweet on the palate, offering intense black raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors
that put on weight with air. Shows impressive energy and lift on the finish, with its velvety tannins and
lingering florality. This highly complex, compelling wine was made entirely with whole clusters. 93
2010 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Avellana Willamette Valley
($100) Vivid ruby-red. Powerful, expansive dark berry preserve, Indian spice and floral pastille scents
are given urgency by notes of white pepper and smoky minerals. Plush, deeply pitched black raspberry
and cherry-cola flavors show excellent clarity and power but come off surprisingly graceful. The spice
and cola notes repeat on the finish, which clings with superb tenacity and slow-building tannins. 93
2010 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Aurora Vineyard Willamette Valley
($100) Bright ruby-red. Heady aromas of candied cherry, sassafras, potpourri and smoky Indian spices.
Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering vibrant red and dark berry flavors and
suggestions of cola, allspice and floral pastilles. Becomes sweeter with air and finishes with superb
clarity, energy and spicy persistence. Very sexy now but this impressively dense and balanced wine is
built to age.
93
2010 Coeur de Terre Pinot Noir Renelle's Block Reserve Willamette Valley
($60) Bright ruby-red. Explosive aromas of cherry-cola, incense, rose oil and woodsmoke, with a bright,
spicy overtone. Stains the palate with energetic cherry and dark berry flavors that show excellent clarity
and spicy lift. Finishes sweet and impressively long, with lingering spicecake and floral pastille qualities
and smooth, well-knit tannins. 93
2011 Beaux Freres Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir The Beaux Freres Vineyard Ribbon Ridge
($80) Vivid ruby. Heady, assertively perfumed bouquet evokes blackberry and cherry preserves, with
notes of vanilla, cola and sandalwood emerging with air. Juicy, penetrating and lively on the palate,
offering sweet dark fruit and orange zest flavors along with hints of cola and spicecake. Finishes smoky
and sweet, with slow-building tannins and a suave floral pastille quality. 93
2010 Chehalem Pinot Noir Reserve Ridgecrest Vineyards Ribbon Ridge
($60) Vivid ruby-red. A heady, complex bouquet displays scents of red fruit liqueur, blood orange,
potpourri, vanilla and mocha, with a bright mineral overtone. Palate-staining but energetic, offering an
array of red berry and floral pastille flavors and a zesty Asian spice nuance. Sweet and precise on the
finish, which leaves intense raspberry and star anise notes behind. This sexy pinot should age slowly and
positively over at least the next decade. 93
2010 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Estate Reserve Yamhill-Carlton District
($48) Bright ruby-red. A highly complex bouquet displays sexy red berry preserve, incense and candied
rose scents, along with suggestions of cola, mocha and allspice. Sappy, deeply concentrated cherry and
raspberry flavors are lifted and braced by juicy acidity and show excellent clarity and thrust. Closes with
palate-staining intensity and sweetness, leaving suave floral and Asian spice notes behind. Impressively
balanced and fine-grained, with serious cellaring potential.
93
2010 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Murto Vineyard Dundee Hills
($38) Bright ruby-red. Heady, exotically perfumed aromas of cherry-cola, raspberry liqueur, star anise
and freshly turned earth, along with notes of incense and smoky herbs. Stains the palate with intense
red fruit flavors that gain weight and sweetness with air. Manages to be powerful as well as energetic,
finishing with outstanding focus and gently tannic persistence. 93
Priced from: 47
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2010 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir Original Vines Reserve Dundee Hills
($60) Bright red. A complex, highly perfumed bouquet displays scents of candied red fruits, rose,
incense and smoky minerals. Spicy and penetrating, offering vibrant raspberry and bitter cherry flavors
and a touch of allspice. Starts off racy but gains sweetness and flesh with air and finishes with excellent
clarity and slow-building, silky tannins. I'd bet on this wine aging well on its balance.
93
2008 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Vintage 31 Willamette Valley
($180) Vivid red. Heady, smoke- and spice-accented red fruit and floral pastille aromas have impressive
clarity and vivacity. Deeper cherry and blackberry qualities on the palate, which shows a silken texture
and strong back-end lift. Closes smooth and very long, with superb focus and sweet tannins adding grip.
This wine was made from what the Adelsheim team thought were the four best barrels of the vintage.
The fruit was sourced from Bryan Creek Vineyard (60%), Calkins Lane Vineyard (35%) and Winderlea
Vineyard (5%); the wine saw one-third new oak and was bottled in August, 2009. The next time this
bottling will appear will be from the 2012 vintage, which will likely be released in 2017. 93
2010 Cristom Vineyards Pinot Noir Marjorie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($65) Vibrant ruby-red. Fresh, intensely fragrant scents of redcurrant, strawberry and potpourri, with a
subtle undercurrent of vanillin oak spices. Brisk and incisive red berry and spicecake flavors pack solid
punch and gain flesh and sweetness with air. A decidedly elegant, graceful pinot, with impressive
finishing clarity and thrust.
93
Priced from: 57.99
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2010 Cristom Vineyards Pinot Noir Louise Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($50) Vivid ruby-red. Exotically perfumed scents of cherry-cola, vanillin oak, Asian spices and potpourri.
Deeply pitched red and dark berry flavors are complemented by notes of candied flowers, five-spice
powder and rooty sassafras Youthfully firm tannins add focus and grip to an impressively long, energetic
finish of excellent clarity and lingering spiciness. 93
Priced from: 44.99
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2010 Cristom Vineyards Pinot Noir Jessie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($50) Ruby-red. Intense, spice-accented aromas of raspberry, cherry and potpourri, with a bright
mineral overtone. Juicy and sharply focused on the palate, offering an array of red fruit flavors and
notes of spicecake and sassafras. Closes tangy and very long, with slow-building sweetness and gentle
tannins adding shape. 93
Priced from: 44.99
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2010 Brooks Wines Pinot Noir Janus Willamette Valley
($32) Bright ruby-red. Heady, mineral-accented aromas of red berry preserves, potpourri and Asian
spices, with a hint of blood orange adding an exotic twist. Offers an array of red and dark berry flavors
brightened by notes of allspice and fresh rose, along with a hint of vanilla that emerges with air. Closes
sweet and very long, with resonating spiciness and smooth, well-knit tannins. 93
2010 Brooks Wines Pinot Noir Rastaban Eola-Amity Hills
($50) Bright ruby-red. A heady, complex bouquet displays scents of fresh red berries, Asian spices,
musky underbrush and cola. Sappy, penetrating and focused, offering sweet black raspberry and cherrycola flavors that pick up a smoky nuance with air. Closes sweet and very long, with a vibrant spiciness
that lingers on. 93
2011 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Estate Etzel Block Ribbon Ridge
($60) Vivid red. A heady, complex bouquet evokes fresh dark berries, sandalwood, cola and Asian
spices. Sweet, penetrating and pure, with strong lift to its sappy black raspberry and cherry compote
flavors. A refreshingly bitter note of blood orange adds cut to the finish, which clings with superb
tenacity and alluring sweetness. One of the highlights of its vintage and balanced to age.
93
2009 Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills
($58) Bright, hazy red. A sexy, complex bouquet offers up scents of fresh red berries, incense, potpourri
and star anise. Lively, sharply focused and pure, with sappy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and
suave spicecake and rose pastille accents. Silky tannins come on late and add grip to a long, sweet and
penetrating finish. I'd have guessed that this elegant pinot was a 2010 and not a wine from a warm
Willamette vintage like '09.
93
2010 Westrey Wine Company Pinot Noir Oracle Vineyard Dundee Hills
($36) Bright ruby-red. Vibrant, sharply focused red berry and floral pastille aromas are complicated by
lower-toned notes of cola and mocha. Sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering energetic
raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of sweet vanilla. Closes spicy and very long, with smooth
tannins adding shape and gentle grip. 92
2010 Brick House Vineyards Pinot Noir Evelyn's Ribbon Ridge
($65) (made from a 50/50 blend of Dijon clones and Pommard clone): Bright ruby-red. Deeply pitched
aromas of cherry skin, smoked meat, dried rose and Indian spices. Stains the palate with intense dark
fruit flavors that become more energetic with air. A sweet floral pastille quality comes up on the finish,
which lingers with excellent tenacity and slow-mounting tannins. This pinot is built to age--in fact,
demands it.
92
Priced from: 61.95
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2011 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Balcombe Block 1B Dundee Hills
($55) Vivid ruby-red. Intense, high-toned red berry and cherry aromas are complicated by anise, Indian
spices and woodsmoke. Tangy and precise on entry, then deeper and broader the mid-palate, offering
lively raspberry and bitter cherry flavors lifted and sharpened by a blood orange quality. Closes with
sneaky sweetness, supple tannins and excellent persistence, leaving a zesty red fruit note behind.
92
2011 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Estate Old Vine Ribbon Ridge
($40) Brilliant red. Smoky, sharply focused aromas of dried cherry, sassafras, potpourri and mocha.
Chewy, energetic and subtly sweet, offering very good depth to its bitter cherry and black raspberry
flavors. Tangy acidity gives lift and vivacity to the persistent finish, which features fine-grained tannins
and a lingering floral nuance. 92
Priced from: 39.99
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2011 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Anklebreaker Block Chehalem Mountains
($57) (from an especially rocky, southeast-facing section of the Olenick vineyard that's planted to the
Pommard clone): Brilliant ruby-red. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays scents of dark berries,
cherry-cola and smoky Indian spices. Shows unlikely depth and breadth for the vintage, offering bitter
cherry, anise and cola flavors that are juicy acidity and a hint of white pepper. Closes on a chewy note,
with appealing sweetness, slow-mounting tannins and excellent persistence.
92
2010 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Elton Eola-Amity Hills
($45) Vivid ruby-red. Powerfully scented aromas of black raspberry, cherry-cola and smoky Indian
spices, with a bright mineral overtone. Shows a suave blend of richness and energy on the palate,
offering sweet dark berry and cherry compote flavors and bright orange zest and allspice nuances.
Closes on a sweet blackberry note, with excellent focus and length and supple tannins. 92
2010 Broadley Vineyards Pinot Noir Claudia's Choice Willamette Valley
($50) Bright red. Heady aromas of raspberry, cherry-cola and incense, plus a whiff of smoky oak. Supple
and broad, with ripe, sweet red berry flavors and an exotic floral nuance. Blends richness and energy
smoothly, finishing on an intense raspberry liqueur note with excellent persistence.
92
2011 Bergstrom Wines Pinot Noir Winery Block Chehalem Mountains
($65) Brilliant ruby-red. A highly perfumed bouquet displays dark berries, potpourri, smoky herbs and
Indian spices. Offers gently sweet blackberry and cherry flavors and deeper vanilla and black cardamon
nuances. Finishes smoky, sweet and long, with sneaky tannins and a late kick of tangy minerality. Lots
going on here, which gives the wine plenty of immediate appeal, but it has the depth to age positively
for at least the next five or so years.
92
2011 Bergstrom Wines Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District
($50) Bright ruby-red. Intense red berry and cherry aromas of impressive clarity are complemented by
notes of licorice, allspice and floral oils. Sappy, focused and appealing sweet on the palate, offering red
berry preserve and rose pastille flavors braced by a note of blood orange. The zesty finish features slowmounting tannins and outstanding, floral- and spice-driven persistence. 92
Priced from: 47.95
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2011 Bergstrom Wines Pinot Noir Bergstrom Vineyard Dundee Hills
($80) Bright ruby-red. Pungent, highly perfumed aromas of cherry-cola, smoky Indian spices and
potpourri. Impressively concentrated for the vintage, offering chewy dark berry, floral pastille and cola
flavors and an enlivening jolt of candied orange peel. Finishes on a sweet note, with very good breadth,
youthful tannins and excellent length. 92
2010 Chehalem Pinot Noir Ridgecrest Vineyards Ribbon Ridge
($69) Bright ruby-red. Highly perfumed bouquet combines fresh raspberry, cherry-cola, succulent herbs
and potpourri. Densely packed and sweet but also sharply focused, with a sexy floral quality to its
flavors of black raspberry, chocolate ganache and spicecake. Impressively silky and broad but lively
pinot, finishing with smooth tannins and strong floral persistence.
92
Priced from: 39.99
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2011 Antica Terra Pinot Noir Ceras Willamette Valley
($75) Bright ruby-red. Sexy, floral- and spice-accented aromas of red berry liqueur and potpourri, with a
hint of vanilla in the background. Silky and precise, offering energetic raspberry and floral pastille
flavors and a touch of dusty minerals. Finishes lively, focused and long, with resonating spiciness, a hint
of anise and slow-building tannins.
92
Priced from: 79.95
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2011 Kelley Fox Wines Pinot Noir Mirabai Pinot Noir McMinnville
($35) Light, bright red. Sexy, high-pitched red berry and Asian spice aromas show excellent clarity.
Lithe, penetrating raspberry and floral pastille flavors gain weight with air and pick up notes of mocha
and anise. Shows real polish and focus, with sneaky sweetness and zero rough edges. A sleek, feline
pinot that showcases the best attributes of the vintage, finishing with silky tannins and lingering florality.
Here's one of the rare 2011s that outperforms its 2010 and 2009 siblings.
92
2009 Amalie Robert Estate Pinot Noir The Uncarved Block Willamette Valley
($30) Vivid red. An exotic bouquet features candied red fruits, Asian spices and potpourri, with a smoky
mineral topnote. Sappy, incisive and densely packed raspberry and bitter cherry flavors gain sweetness
with air and pick up notes of cola and mocha. Finishes silky and long, with sneaky tannins and lingering
sweetness.
92
2009 Amalie Robert Estate Pinot Noir iPinot Willamette Valley
($38) Vivid ruby-red. Sexy, spice- and floral-accented aromas of raspberry and cherry-cola, with a smoky
topnote. Offers sappy red fruit and floral pastille flavors and notes of gingerbread and white pepper.
Shows a silken character, with real back-end energy. Weightier on the gently tannic finish, which
strongly echoes the raspberry and floral notes. 92
2011 Lia's Vineyard Pinot Noir Lia's Vineyard Hi-Tone Chehalem Mountains
($45) Vivid red. Intense red berry and floral aromas are complicated by deeper notes of rooty sassafras,
cola and smoky Indian spices. Silky, sweet and penetrating, offering spicy black raspberry and bitter
cherry flavors and a touch of gingerbread. Vibrant and incisive pinot in the manner of the vintage, but
with a measure of depth and power that's missing in most '11s. Closes sweet and very long, with
resonating spiciness and soft, even tannins.
92
2011 Lia's Vineyard Pinot Noir Longplay Jory Bench Reserve Chehalem Mountains
($38) Bright red. Complex, highly perfumed bouquet of red fruit liqueur, spicecake and candied flowers.
Smoky, incisive raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are given depth by hints of cola and mocha, with a
rose pastille nuance sneaking up with air. Juicy and precise on the clinging finish, which is given shape
by fine-grained tannins. 92
2011 Le Cadeau Vineyard Pinot Noir Diversite Willamette Chehalem Mountains
($48) Dark red. Black raspberry, cherry-cola, Asian spices and woodsmoke on the pungent nose. Fleshy
and expansive, offering sweet but sharply focused red and dark berry flavors and a sexy touch of
candied rose. There's surprising depth here for this wine's vivacity. Becomes spicier and smokier with
air and finishes with excellent thrust and smooth, even tannins that give shape and focus to the juicy
fruit. No way I'd have guessed that this pinot came from a challenging vintage. 92
2010 Raptor Ridge Winery Pinot Noir The Trig Willamette Valley
($41) Vivid ruby-red. Sexy floral aromas of candied red berries and cherry-cola, with a peppery topnote.
The palate offers silky raspberry and floral pastille flavors with notes of allspice and anise. Shows
impressive energy and power but there's a litheness here as well. Finishes spicy, gently sweet and long,
with fine-grained tannins adding back-end grip. 92
2010 Et Fille Pinot Noir Kalita Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District
($42) Bright red. Spicy cherry and black raspberry aromas are deepened by notes of cola and black tea.
Offers vanilla-accented dark berry flavors, with a floral nuance adding complexity. Nicely concentrated
but lithe, with impressive finishing clarity, silky tannins and lingering sweetness. 92
2010 J. Christopher Pinot Noir Lia's Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($50) Bright red. Deeply pitched cherry-cola and blackberry scents are enlivened by zesty mineral and
floral pastille nuances. Smoky dark berry flavors show impressive intensity and lift on the palate, with
notes of cocoa powder and licorice sneaking up with aeration. Closes sweet and long, with resonating
spiciness and a sexy rose note. 92
2010 J. Christopher Pinot Noir Abbey Ridge Vineyard Dundee Hills
($50) Bright ruby-red. Intense, smoke- and spice-accented aromas of black raspberry and cherry-cola.
Plush and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering sweet dark berry and vanilla flavors
and notes of succulent herbs and candied flowers. A jolt of minerality adds cut and lift to the finish,
which clings with impressive persistence and appealing sweetness.
92
Priced from: 49.99
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2010 Matello Winery Pinot Noir Whistling Ridge Ribbon Ridge
($35) Vivid red. Fresh cherry, dark berries and potpourri on the highly scented nose. Bright and
mineral-driven but also shows very good density to its chewy black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors.
Displays the structure of the vintage but doesn't come off as hard. Finishes with slow-building
sweetness, chewy tannins and excellent persistence. Definitely sit on this one for a few years, maybe
more. 92
2010 Matello Winery Pinot Noir Durant Vineyard Dundee Hills
($40) Bright ruby. Sexy, high-pitched dark berry and potpourri aromas are complicated by Asian spices
and white pepper. Spicy and penetrating, offering smoky blackberry and bitter cherry flavors and an
exotic note of candied rose. Finishes sweet and long, with resonating spiciness and smooth, even
tannins. There were a lot of whole clusters used here and it shows in the wine's spicy, heady perfume.
92
2010 Montinore Estate Pinot Noir Cataclysm Willamette Valley
($45) Vivid red. High-pitched aromas of red berries, potpourri, smoky minerals and Asian spices. Sappy,
penetrating and pure, offering vibrant red and dark berry flavors and an emerging rose pastille accent.
Shows a smooth blend of power and energy, finishing with strong back-end lift and cling. Aeration
brings out dusty tannins, which bode well for this sexy wine's aging potential. 92
2010 Biggio Hamina Cellars Pinot Noir Zenith Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($45) Vivid red. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of red fruit preserves, potpourri and smoky minerals, with
an exotic black cardamom nuance in the background. Sweet, sappy and incisive, with a more elegant
character to its raspberry and cherry-cola flavors than the somewhat wild nose would suggest. Closes
sweet, focused and very long, with lingering floral notes and a hint of tangy minerals. 92
2010 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir 40th Anniversary Reserve Willamette Valley
($60) (50% new oak): Bright ruby-red. Heady aromas of black raspberry and cherry-cola accented by
flowers and spices, with a smoky quality in the background. Suave, seamless and appealingly sweet,
offering vibrant red and dark berry flavors and a touch of vanilla. Suggestions of candied flowers and
mocha come up on the persistent finish, which features silky tannins and a lingering cola note. 92
2011 Lemelson Vineyards Pinot Noir Jerome Reserve Willamette Valley
($50) Vivid red. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of black raspberry, cola and Asian spices, with a smoky
overtone. Pliant, sweet and penetrating, offering intense red and dark berry flavors and a hint of
candied lavender. Closes with very good energy, clarity and persistence, leaving spicecake and red fruit
preserve notes behind. 92
2011 Scott Paul Wine Cellars Pinot Noir The Long Run Dundee Hills
($45) (12.9% alcohol; 20% new oak): Light, bright red. Sexy, high-pitched red berry and floral scents,
with notes of star anise, underbrush and sassafras adding complexity. Offers intense raspberry and
bitter cherry flavors, along with notes of rhubarb, candied flowers and orange zest. This lithe, focused,
pure pinot finishes linear and very long, with echoing floral and spice notes. Pinot purists should
definitely check this one out. 92
2011 Scott Paul Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Audrey Dundee Hills
($75) (made from old vines in the Maresh vineyard): Vivid red. Sexy aromas of red berry preserves,
Asian spices and potpourri. Light on its feet, showing graceful, surprisingly concentrated red fruit flavors
and complicating notes of candied rose, vanilla and smoky minerals. Impressively elegant and precise
pinot with suave finishing floral character and silky, fine-grained tannins that add grip. 92
2010 Coeur de Terre Pinot Noir Sarah Jane's Block Reserve Willamette Valley
($60) Bright violet color. A heady, complex bouquet evokes ripe red fruit, incense and candied rose,
with smoke and anise overtones that gain power with air. Sweet, penetrating and pure, with lively
sweet black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors. A vanilla note comes up on the gently tannic finish, which
lingers with excellent tenacity and focus.
92
2010 J. K. Carriere Wines Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard Willamette Valley
($65) Bright ruby-red. Intense cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by notes of
candied rose, vanilla and Asian spices. Fleshy but lively and precise, offering sappy red and dark berry
flavors and an exotic touch of cola on the back half. The red berry note carries through a long, gently
tannic finish that shows a refreshingly bitter quality.
92
2010 J. K. Carriere Wines Pinot Noir Gemini Vineyard Willamette Valley
($65) Bright red. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of black raspberry, potpourri, licorice and woodsmoke.
Juicy and expansive, offering sweet red and dark berry aromas and notes of black cardamom and cola.
Becomes firmer with air and finishes with excellent clarity, thrust and youthful tannic grip. I'd give this
pinot at least a few more years of bottle age but it drinks well now with a couple of hours in a decanter.
92
2010 Van Duzer Vineyards Pinor Noir Flagpole Block Willamette Valley
($55) Bright ruby-red. Complex, highly perfumed bouquet combines blackberry liqueur, potpourri and
cola, along with a sexy Asian spice topnote. Juicy, incisive and concentrated, showing a deft blend of
richness and vivacity to its dark berry and floral pastille flavors. The spicy note comes back strong on the
finish, which features supple tannins and an emphatic floral tone.
92
2010 Van Duzer Vineyards Pinot Noir Homestead Block Willamette Valley
($55) Vivid ruby. Heady, complex scents of red fruit preserves, Asian spices and incense. Spicy, focused
and energetic on the palate, with deeply pitched raspberry and cherry-cola flavors picking up a smoky
quality with air. Packs a serious punch but comes off as lithe and seamless on the long, fruit-driven
finish. 92
2010 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Orchard Block Dundee Hills
($70) Deep red. High-pitched red berry and floral aromas are complicated by Asian spices and smoky
minerals. Juicy and precise on the palate, offering pliant raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and notes of
spicecake and candied rose. This very suave pinot shows appealing freshness and cut to its impressively
long, subtly tannic finish. This fruit was reportedly picked at around 22 degrees Brix, and it shows in the
wine's brightness.
92
2010 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Goose Pen Dundee Hills
($80) Deep ruby-red. High-pitched red fruit and floral scents are complemented by deeper notes of
cola, vanilla and black cardamom. Juicy, concentrated and energetic on the palate, offering pliant black
raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and mounting spiciness. The floral quality comes back strong on the
finish, which clings with excellent tenacity and a hint of fine-grained tannins.
92
2010 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Big Tree Block Dundee Hills
($70) Bright ruby-red. Musky cherry and dark berry aromas are lifted by Asian spice and mineral
accents. On the palate, deeply pitched blackberry and cherry-cola flavors are given back-end cut by an
exotic touch of blood orange. Closes spicy and very long, with slow-building tannins and a jolt of dark
cherry compote. This rich but energetic wine has the depth to age.
92
2010 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Peach Tree Dundee Hills
($70) Vivid ruby-red. Heady, complex scents of red fruit preserves, Asian spices, rose and incense, with
a blood orange nuance in the background. The palate offers sappy raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and
a bright mineral overtone that adds lift and focus. A vanilla note comes up with air and lingers on the
long, sweet finish, which features slow-building tannins and a hint of candied rose.
92
2009 ADEA Wine Company Pinot Noir Cherry Grove Vineyard Willamette Valley
($45) Bright red. Sexy red berries and incense on the highly perfumed nose. Suave, sweet and
penetrating, offering intense raspberry and rose pastille flavors lifted and sharpened by juicy acidity.
The finish is silky and pure, lingering with impressive clarity and persistence. This wine's balance and
focus are outstanding. 92
2010 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Flat Block Eola-Amity Hills
($58) Bright ruby-red. Fresh raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by notes of candied rose
and smoky minerals. Juicy, focused and pure, offering intense red fruit preserve and spicecake flavors
deepened by a note of bitter chocolate. Really stains the palate but comes off lithe, with no excess
weight. Closes sweet, spicy and very long, with sneaky tannins adding shape and late grip.
92
2010 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($50) Bright ruby-red. Sexy, high-toned aromas of black raspberry, dried flowers and cola, with a
mineral quality in the background. Juicy, focused and pure, with impressive depth to its dark berry and
cherry-cola flavors. Becomes fleshier with air and finishes with excellent clarity, supple tannins and
lingering florality.
92
2010 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir West Block Reserve Eola Amity Hills
($50) Vivid ruby-red. A heady, complex bouquet evokes red fruit liqueur, potpourri and sandalwood,
with a suave mineral nuance adding lift. Spicy, penetrating and appealingly sweet, with excellent clarity
to its raspberry and cherry-cola flavors. Clings beautifully on a finish that features silky tannins and a
strong floral quality.
92
2011 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Laurene Dundee Hills
($65) Brilliant red. Vibrant red berry and spicecake aromas are deepened by notes of cola, sassafras and
mocha. Silky, penetrating and lively, with excellent clarity to its raspberry and cherry flavors. Becomes
more floral with air and finishes sweet, smoky and very long, with lingering spiciness and a suave floral
pastille quality. 92
2011 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Louise Dundee Hills
($90) Vivid red. A heady bouquet evokes candied red and dark berries, incense and floral oils. Sappy
and focused on the palate, offering intense, Asian spice-accented black raspberry and mulberry flavors
and a hint of vanilla bean. Youthfully firm tannins give grip to the finish, with its repeating floral and
spice notes.
92
2011 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Pas de Nom Willamette Valley
($100) Bright ruby. Intense red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by notes of cola, anise and
rose oil. Juicy and sharply focused on entry, then fleshier and broader in the mid-palate, offering sappy
black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of allspice. A smoky note comes up on the finish,
which features gentle tannins and a kick of peppery spices. I like this pinot's blend of power and
vivacity.
92
2010 Ayres Vineyard Pinot Noir Pioneer Ribbon Ridge
($47) (made entirely from clone 667): Bright ruby-red. Spice-accented aromas of black raspberry,
cherry and fresh rose, with a hint of musky earth in the background. Fleshy and broad on entry, then
tighter in the mid-palate, offering powerful dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors and a touch of star
anise. Powerful yet lithe, with strong finishing cut and sneaky, fine-grained tannins that add focus and
grip. I suspect that this wine will be a slow ager. 92
2011 Winderlea Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir Winderlea Legacy Dundee Hills
($75) Bright ruby. Offers an array of red fruit and floral scents, complicated by deeper licorice and earth
qualities and a hint of smoky Indian spices. Sappy, energetic and precise, offering excellent clarity to its
black raspberry and floral pastille flavors. Closes silky and very long, with lingering spiciness and a hint
of dusty minerals. This elegant but powerful pinot checks in at 12.8% alcohol. 92
2010 The Four Graces Pinot Noir Doe Ridge Estate Yamhill-Carlton District
($75) Ruby-red. Heady, intensely perfumed aromas of red and dark berry preserves, cola and mocha,
with slow-building spiciness and florality. Supple and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate,
offering sweet black raspberry and lavender pastille flavors and a touch of vanilla. Finishes sappy and
long, with resonating allspice and cola notes and excellent cling. 92
2011 Alloro Vineyard Pinot Noir Justina Chehalem Mountains
($85) Brilliant red. Heady aromas of red fruit liqueur, Asian spices and fresh flowers, with a suave vanilla
quality emerging with aeration. Offers smooth raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and enlivening notes of
blood orange and white pepper. A smoky nuance comes up on the finish, which clings with excellent
tenacity and lingering sweetness. Quite seductive for a 2011, with more sweetness of fruit than one
would expect from the vintage. 92
2010 Chehalem Pinot Noir Corral Creek Vineyards Chehalem Mountains
($48) Vivid red. Intense, spice-accented aromas of cherry, redcurrant and rose pastille, with a subtle
smoky nuance. Juicy, incisive red berry flavors show excellent clarity and pick up weight in the glass.
The taut, sharply focused finish, which betrays just a hint of tannins, clings with impressive tenacity and
suave florality. I like the energy here. 92
2010 Chehalem Pinot Noir Ridgecrest Vineyards Ribbon Ridge
($48) Deep red. Intense raspberry and cherry scents are complicated by notes of pomegranate and
spicecake. A sexy floral quality complements fresh red and dark berry flavors, and juicy acidity
contributes lift and focus. Closes tangy, smoky and long, with resonating spiciness and slow-building
tannins. I've no doubt that this energetic pinot will be even better with another five years of bottle age.
92
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2010 Boedecker Cellars Pinot Noir Stoller Vineyards Dundee Hills
($50) Vivid red. Raspberry, Asian spices and rose oil on the perfumed nose, with a hint of cola adding
depth. Lively and precise on the palate, offering sweet red berry and floral pastille flavors and an
undercurrent of zesty minerals. Picks up a smoky nuance with air, along with a vanilla note that carries
through an impressively long, subtly tannic finish. This pinot will age well on its balance. 92
2010 Boedecker Cellars Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District
($55) Bright ruby-red. Sexy, floral-accented aromas of candied red berries, blood orange and Asian
spices. Sweet and penetrating, offering intense raspberry and cherry-cola flavors that are lifted and
sharpened by piquant acidity. Silky tannins build slowly on the clinging, appealingly sweet finish, with its
echoing raspberry and spice notes.
92
2010 Carabella Vineyard Pinot Noir Inchinnan Chehalem Mountains
($54) Bright ruby-red. Heady aromas of red berry preserves, incense and rose oil, with a hint of cola in
the background. Juicy, sharply focused raspberry and bitter cherry flavors pick up weight with air, along
with notes of floral pastilles and spicecake. Dusty tannins come on late and give grip to a long, red fruitdominated finish. This suave, highly energetic pinot should age positively for at least another five years.
92
2011 White Rose Wines Pinot Noir Anderson Family Vineyard Dundee Hills
($80) Bright red. High-pitched aromas of red berries, Asian spices, potpourri and white pepper. Fresh
and incisive on the palate, offering tangy raspberry and strawberry flavors and complicating notes of
spicecake and candied rose. Bright, sharply focused with excellent finishing clarity and spicy
persistence.
92
2011 White Rose Wines Pinot Noir White Rose Vineyard Dundee Hills
($95) Light red. High-pitched scents of red berries, blood orange and dried flowers, with an exotic
patchouli nuance that gains power with air; smells like a Phish or Widespread Panic concert, without the
gnarly human aromatics. Light-bodied, sharply focused redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors show
excellent intensity and pick up a smoky nuance with air. Closes sweet and long, with a jolt of star anise
and silky, gently gripping tannins.
92
2010 Coelho Winery Pinot Noir Paciencia Estate Willamette Valley
($70) Bright ruby-red. A heady, complex bouquet evokes fresh red berries, cola, incense and potpourri.
Sweet, seamless and penetrating on the palate, offering lively, nicely concentrated raspberry, rose
pastille and smoky mineral flavors. A vanilla quality comes up with air and carries through a long, sweet
and softly tannic finish. Very sexy right now but this pinot has the depth to age. 92
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2011 Anam Cara Cellars Pinot Noir Heather's Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($65) Bright red. Highly aromatic nose displays fresh raspberry, dried rose and Asian spices.
Penetrating, with a distinct spiciness to its primary flavors of red berries, candied flowers and cola.
Packs a punch but comes off lithe, showing potent floral and spice character on the long, sappy finish.
Stands out in this vintage for its richness and power.
92
2011 St. Innocent Winery Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley
($42) Brilliant red. Pungent aromas of black raspberry, lavender and smoky Indian spices, with a bright
mineral topnote. Juicy and penetrating, boasting very good energy and power to its dark berry and
bitter cherry flavors. A sexy floral pastille nuance emerges with air and carries through a long, youthfully
tannic finish. 92
2011 St. Innocent Winery Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District
($45) Vivid red. The nose displays sexy aromas of black raspberry, cherry-cola and licorice, along with a
smoky overtone and floral and spice accents. Juicy, penetrating and pure, offering impressive power for
the vintage. The sweet dark berry and cherry flavors are given spine and lift by juicy acidity. The floral
and cola notes come back on the youthfully tannic finish, which clings with excellent tenacity. 92
Priced from: 37.98
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2011 St. Innocent Winery Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($50) Brilliant ruby-red. Black raspberry, Asian spices and pungent flowers on the nose. Intense dark
berry and rose pastille flavors show a subdued sweetness and very good clarity. I like the interplay of
savory and sweet qualities here. Chewy and focused on the clinging finish.
92
2010 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Belle Pente Vineyard Yamhill Carlton District
($35) Vivid red. High-pitched aromas of black raspberry, Asian spices and fresh rose. Juicy, penetrating
and pure, offering vibrant red berry and bitter cherry flavors that gain flesh and weight with aeration.
Darker fruit notes come up on the clinging finish, with its lingering floral and spicecake qualities. Very
suave pinot, with the balance to age but plenty of upfront appeal as well.
92
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2011 Seven of Hearts Pinot Noir Very Special Reserve Willamette Valley
($75) Brilliant red. Sexy spicy, floral aromas of black raspberry, cola and licorice. Sappy, penetrating and
pure, with excellent focus to its fresh red and dark berry flavors. The cola and spice notes come back on
the gently tannic finish, which is sweet sharply focused and very persistent. This pinot has the balance
to age. All of these bottlings say 12.5% alcohol on the label.
92
2010 Ghost Hill Cellars Pinot Noir Prospector's Reserve Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District
($60) Bright ruby-red. Sexy, smoke- and spice-accented aromas of raspberry and cherry-cola. Smooth
and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering juicy red berry and bitter cherry flavors that
are deepened by a subtle mocha quality. Dusty tannins make a late appearance and add shape to an
impressively long, sweet and penetrating finish. 92
2000 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir "Marguerite" Dundee Hills
($85) Pale red. Black raspberry, rose, smoky minerals and musky herbs on the highly perfumed nose.
Fully mature, as one would expect, offering sweet red fruit, floral pastille and allspice flavors and a touch
of smoked meat. Closes on a gently spicy note, with lingering floral and red fruit flavors and very good
persistence. This wine is a blend of barrels selected by the late David Lett from the birth year of his first
granddaughter. 92
2011 Archery Summit Winery Pinot Noir Archery Summit Estate Dundee Hills
($150) Bright ruby-red. A complex bouquet of fresh red fruits, incense and potpourri, with a sexy oak
spice note gaining strength in the glass. Offers gently sweet raspberry and floral pastille flavors and
notes of vanilla and mocha in the background. Silky and focused, with strong finishing punch and
smooth, harmonious tannins for grip. 92
2011 Archery Summit Winery Pinot Noir Renegade Ridge Estate Dundee Hills
($85) Bright ruby-red. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of red and dark berries, incense and pungent flowers.
Sweet cherry-vanilla and black raspberry flavors show excellent clarity and energy thanks to bright
acidity and a spicy nuance. Puts on flesh in the glass and finishes with smooth, supple tannins and
lingering notes of mocha and candied dark berries. In an opulent style for the vintage but in no way
heavy. 92
2011 Big Table Farm Pinot Noir Sunnyside Vineyard Willamette Valley
($45) Vivid red. Vibrant aromas of strawberry, cola, blood orange and Asian spices. Suave, silky and
weightless, with a penetrating quality to its flavors of red berries, spicecake and candied rose. A lively,
emphatically spicy pinot, with excellent definition, suave florality and impressive finishing cling. 92
2011 Big Table Farm Pinot Noir Resonance Vineyard Yamhill Carlton District
($48) Bright red. Spicy red berry and cherry pit aromas are complicated by notes of dried rose, blood
orange and smoky minerals. Taut and bracing, offering bitter cherry and raspberry flavors and a sexy
floral pastille quality. Energetic, precise and appealingly sweet on the finish, with the red berry and
mineral notes resonating.
92
2010 Westrey Wine Company Pinot Noir Abbey Ridge Vineyard Dundee Hills
($45) Vivid ruby-red. Pungent, high-pitched aromas of cherry skin, raspberry, licorice and floral oils, with
a bright mineral topnote. Spicy and incisive, showing intense, sharply focused red berry and bitter
cherry flavors and an exotic touch of candied rose. Fine-grained tannins add grip to the spicy, long
finish. 92
2011 Bergstrom Wines Pinot Noir Le Pre Du Col Vineyard Ribbon Ridge
($60) Deep red. Fresh red berries and rose pastille on the pungent, intensely perfumed nose. Juicy and
precise, offering gently sweet raspberry and cherry cola flavors and a hint of rhubarb. Closes sappy and
long, with subtle herb and floral notes and supple tannins. This wine checks in at 12.8% alcohol, by the
way. 91
2011 Bergstrom Wines Pinot Noir Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($60) Vivid ruby-red. High-pitched cherry and red berry aromas pick up deeper licorice and Indian spices
with air. Lively but nicely concentrated, offering bitter cherry and raspberry flavors that show a subtle
sweetness. A musky herb nuance comes in on the long and focused finish. Displays the liveliness and
clarity of the best 2011s, but with uncommon depth for the vintage.
91
2011 Bergstrom Wines Pinot Noir De Lancellotti Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($65) Vivid ruby-red. Fresh dark berries, cherry-cola, Indian spices and minerals on the intensely
perfumed nose. Offers vibrant black raspberry and spicecake flavors that show very good sweetness,
with notes of smoky minerals, mocha and cola adding complexity. Finishes with excellent clarity and
thrust, with fine-grained tannins coming on late and providing structure. Quite succulent for the vintage
and delicious now.
91
2011 Bergstrom Wines Pinot Noir Gregory Ranch Yamhill-Carlton District
($55) Vibrant ruby-red. High-pitched red berry and floral aromas are complicated by suggestions of
Asian spices and cola. Juicy, penetrating raspberry and bitter cherry flavors pick up weight and
sweetness with air, along with a hint of spicecake. Shows excellent clarity and persistence on the finish,
which features supple tannins and a refreshing jolt of bitter orange pith. 91
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2010 Andrew Rich Wines Pinot Noir The Knife Edge Willamette Valley
($45) Bright ruby-red. Intense black raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by notes of smoked
meat, licorice and dried flowers. Smooth and succulent on the palate, offering powerful dark berry and
bitter chocolate flavors and a touch of candied rose. Finishes on a smoky note, with slow-building
tannins, a jolt of peppery spices and very good length. 91
2010 De Ponte Cellars Pinot Noir Estate Dundee Hills
($55) Vivid ruby-red. Sexy, high-pitched aromas of black raspberry, incense and fresh rose, with mocha
and vanilla nuances emerging with aeration. Silky and sweet on the palate, offering vibrant red fruit
flavors that gain flesh and smokiness with air. Shows very good depth but comes off lively thanks to
bright acidity, which adds cut to a long, youthfully tannic finish. I'll bet that this will be showing even
better in another year or so and that it will age positively over the next decade. 91(+?)
2010 William Hatcher Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($48) Bright ruby-red. Assertively perfumed aromas of raspberry, potpourri and vanillin oak, with a spicy
topnote. Juicy, focused, appealingly sweet red fruit flavors gain depth with air and pick up a smoky
nuance. Finishes smooth and broad, with excellent clarity and gentle tannic grip. This pinot gains a lot
from an hour or so of aeration. 91
2009 Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir Dundee Hills
($24) Light red. Sexy, spice- and floral-accented aromas of raspberry and cherry, with a musky rhubarb
quality that builds with air. Silky and open-knit, offering sweet, mineral-tinged red berry flavors that
show a subtly bitter nuance. The floral quality comes back on the gently tannic finish, which shows
impressive intensity, focus and length. 91
2011 Raptor Ridge Winery Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District
($55) (made from fruit harvested at a low 21.3 degrees Brix; 12.5% alcohol): Vivid red. Intensely
perfumed aromas of redcurrant, cherry and dried rose, with a zesty mineral overtone and a touch of
vanilla. Lively and precise on the palate, offering refreshingly bitter red fruit and blood orange flavors
and deeper cola, mocha and licorice nuances. Finishes sweet and very long, with lingering spiciness and
smooth tannins.
91
2010 Raptor Ridge Winery Pinot Noir Meredith Mitchell Vineyard McMinnville
($38) Bright ruby-red. Pungent aromas of cherry-cola, licorice, pipe tobacco and black cardamon, with a
smoky overtone. Pliant and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated red and dark berry flavors, a
hint of spicecake and surprising energy. Fine-grained tannins add shape and grip to a lingering smokeand spice-accented finish. This pinot has the depth to age.
91
2010 Raptor Ridge Winery Pinot Noir Adalfo's Block Chehalem Mountains
($45) Bright ruby-red. Earthy, musky and pungent, displaying scents of musky red berries and cherry pit.
Appealingly sweet and lush, with vibrant, spicy red fruit flavors showing depth as well as noteworthy
energy. Silky tannins come on late, adding shape to the long, juicy finish.
91
2011 Et Fille Pinot Noir Heredity Willamette Valley
($34) Light, bright red. Expressive aromas of red berries, rose oil, sassafras and spicecake. Offers juicy
raspberry and floral pastille flavors that show very good energy and a silken texture. Vibrant but lacking
the overt edginess of most 2011s, which is a good thing. Closes sweet, seamless and long, with lingering
red fruit and floral qualities and gentle tannins. 91
2010 Stoller Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Dundee Hills
($45) Vivid ruby-red. Assertive red berry liqueur and potpourri scents are complemented by deeperpitched notes of mocha and cola. At once rich and lively, offering excellent clarity and lift to its black
raspberry and cherry compote flavors. Displays a suave blend of power and energy and finishes sweet
and long, with sneaky tannins and a hint of sassafras. 91
2010 Tendril Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($48) Bright ruby-red. Sexy, oak-tinged aromas of dark berries, lavender and mocha, with an Indian
spice nuance gaining strength with air. Intensely fruity and spicy on the palate, offering appealingly
sweet blackberry and cherry-cola flavors and a touch of candied flowers. Extroverted and delicious right
now, but some gently chewy tannins on the finish suggest that patience will be rewarded.
91
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2010 J. Christopher Pinot Noir Nuages Chehalem Mountains
($35) Vivid ruby-red. Spicy, smoke-accented aromas of cherry pit, black raspberry and dried rose.
Chewy and penetrating, offering subtly sweet dark fruit flavors that pick up notes of bitter chocolate and
succulent herbs with air. Lingers impressively on the finish, with fine-grained tannins and a suave floral
pastille quality. 91
2010 J. Christopher Pinot Noir Sandra Adele Dundee Hills
($45) Vivid ruby. Smoky dark berries, licorice and succulent herb aromas pick up spiciness and a touch
of minerality with air. Plush and expansive but energetic, offering sweet blackberry and cherry flavors
and a hint of bitter chocolate. The smoky note comes back strong on the youthfully tannic, vanillatinged finish, which lingers with appealing spiciness and tenacity.
91
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2010 J. Christopher Pinot Noir Lumiere Eola Amity Hills
($35) Bright ruby-red. Dark berries and cola on the pungent, smoke- and spice-accented nose. Chewy
black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors gain sweetness with air and pick up a sexy violet pastille
nuance. Dusty tannins give grip to the impressively persistent finish, with its notes of sassafras, floral
pastilles and allspice. This pinot has the depth of flavor to handle rich or strongly seasoned foods.
91
2010 Utopia Pinot Noir The Utopia Vineyard Clone 777 Ribbon Ridge
($65) (vinified entirely with whole clusters): Bright ruby-red. High-pitched, spicy aromas of raspberry,
potpourri and fresh flowers. Energetic, sharply focused red berry flavors are complemented by deeper
notes of licorice and cola, with a smoky nuance sneaking in on the back half. Closes with impressive
clarity and lift, leaving spicecake and red fruit preserve flavors behind. 91
2010 Utopia Pinot Noir Paradise Estate Reserve Ribbon Ridge
($55) Bright ruby-red. Flamboyant aromas of candied red and dark berries, incense and gingerbread.
Sappy, penetrating and lively on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors
sharpened by a peppery, spicy nuance. Finishes appealingly sweet and long, with just a hint of tannins.
91
2010 Montinore Estate Pinot Noir Parson Ridge Willamette Valley
($45) Vivid red. Lively cherry and floral aromas are complemented by deeper notes of musky herbs and
cola. Spicy and tightly wound on entry, then fleshier and broader in the mid-palate, offering sappy
raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of star anise. A vanilla nuance sneaks up with air, adding
sweetness to the long, penetrating, gently tannic finish. 91
2010 Montinore Estate Pinot Noir Graham Block 7 Willamette Valley
($45) Deep red. Ripe cherry, dried rose and vanilla on the highly perfumed nose. Sweet and expansive
on the palate, offering energetic black raspberry and cherry flavors that pick up a smoky nuance with air.
Shows impressive power on the finish, which features supple tannins and a suave floral quality. Quite
sexy and approachable now but I'd let this one rest for at least a few more years.
91
2011 Dominio IV Pinot Noir Willakia Vineyard "Block 36" Eola-Amity Hills
($38) Vivid red. Intense red berry and floral aromas are brightened by notes of blood orange and white
pepper. Racy and precise but showing impressive sweetness of fruit, in the style of the best examples of
the vintage, with strong back-end lift and cut. Finishes sappy and quite long, with a jolt of peppery
spices and gentle, fully absorbed tannins.
91
2010 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Pinot Noir Mountain Terroir Willamette Valley
($50) Vivid red. Ripe red fruit and floral aromas, with a sexy veneer of smoky oak. Sappy and focused,
with good heft to its sweet raspberry and cherry flavors. A subtle touch of smoked meat comes up with
air and carries through a long, sweet, vanilla-tinged finish. This wine develops a lot in the glass so
decant it if you lack the patience to give it the rest it deserves. 91
2010 Biggio Hamina Cellars Pinot Noir Deux Vert Yamhill Carlton District
($45) Bright red. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays scents of candied red fruits, Asian spices,
lavender and vanilla bean. Sweet, penetrating and smoky on the palate, offering vibrant red fruit and
floral pastille flavors and a strong kick of peppery spices. Silky and sweet on a subtly tannic finish that
forcefully echoes the floral and spice notes.
91
2010 Coeur de Terre Pinot Noir Abby's Block Willamette Valley
($60) Bright ruby-red. Highly fragrant aromas of dried cherry, raspberry and pungent herbs. Sappy,
spicy and well-focused on the palate, offering sweet red fruit and floral pastille flavors, along with notes
of anise and cola. Finishes supple and very long, with resonating spiciness and a touch of vanilla.91
2010 J. K. Carriere Wines Pinot Noir Antoinette Willamette Valley
($65) Vivid red. Sharply focused cherry and blackberry aromas are complemented by notes of smoky
minerals, licorice and cracked pepper. Chewy, palate-coating dark berry flavors, showing very good
depth, are lifted by juicy acidity. The mineral and licorice notes come back on a finish with impressive
fruit-driven persistence. Give this one some air or, better yet, a few years in the cellar. This vineyard is
situated in the Eola-Amity Hills subzone. 91
2010 J. K. Carriere Wines Pinot Noir Vespidae Willamette Valley
($42) Bright ruby-red. Cool, restrained aromas of red and dark berries, cola, dried flowers and minerals.
Builds in sweetness with air, offering densely packed, chewy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors reined
in by tangy acidity that contributes focus and cut. Finishes firm, spicy and very long, with fine-grained
tannins adding grip. Definitely decant this one if you insist on drinking it now. 91
Priced from: 42.99
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2010 J. K. Carriere Wines Pinot Noir Anderson Family Willamette Valley
($65) Vivid ruby-red. A wild, highly perfumed bouquet displays scents of dried cherry, sassafras, Asian
spices and smoked meat. Sweet, penetrating and nicely concentrated dark fruit flavors are enlivened by
floral pastille and peppery spice qualities that gain power with air. Closes with impressive power, length
and harmonious tannins that add grip. I suspect that this pinot will be a slow ager. This vineyard is in
the Dundee Hills subzone.
91
2011 Van Duzer Vineyards Pinot Noir Alchemy Willamette Valley
($65) Brilliant red. Fresh red berries and cherry pit on the fragrant nose. Spicy, penetrating and
refreshingly brisk, offering sappy black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of black tea.
Closes with strong punch and tangy lift, leaving a juicy red fruit note behind.
91
2010 Dion Vineyard Pinot Noir Old Vines Chehalem Mountains
($39) (all Pommard clone, from a dry-farmed vineyard planted 35 years ago): Bright ruby-red. Powerful
red berry preserve and floral pastille aromas are complicated by notes of licorice and vanilla. Densely
packed red fruit flavors show surprising vivacity and lift, with notes of candied rose and mocha gaining
strength with air. Closes sweet and long, with resonating spiciness and smooth, harmonious tannins.
91
2009 Fiddlehead Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Oldsville Reserve
($50) Pale red. Spicy, intensely perfumed red berry aromas are complicated by notes of dried flowers
and succulent herbs. Dry, focused and seamless on the palate, offering spicy redcurrant and strawberry
flavors and a refreshing touch of blood orange. Finishes silky and long, with lingering red fruit and floral
notes and dusty tannins.
91
2010 ADEA Wine Company Pinot Noir Hawks View Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($45) Light red. Zesty redcurrant and dried cherry aromas are complicated by notes of fresh flowers and
orange pith. Firm, focused and juicy, with vibrant cherry and red berry flavors that show a refreshingly
bitter quality. Bright and persistent on the finish, which clings with very good persistence. A clear,
energetic pinot. 91
2010 Brittan Vineyards Pinot Noir Gestalt Block Willamette Valley
($55) Bright ruby-red. Blackberry, cherry and dried rose aromas are lifted by a subtle allspice nuance.
Offers suave dark berry and floral pastille flavors and a touch of cola that builds with air. Shows
impressive focus and power, finishing with very good breadth, length and subtle warmth.
91
Priced from: 47.98
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2010 Brittan Vineyards Pinot Noir Basalt Block Willamette Valley
($48) Ruby-red. Cherry and dark berry preserve aromas are complemented by notes of cola and candied
flowers. Plush and open-knit, offering sweet blackberry and cherry-cola flavors and showing a pliant,
velvety texture. Closes smooth, sappy and long, with soft tannins and a late jolt of sour cherry, which
adds refreshing bite and cut. These vines lie within the McMinnville AVA.
91
Priced from: 43.98
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2011 Beaux Freres Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($50) Bright ruby-red. Pungent, spice-accented aromas of cherry and black raspberry, complicated by a
smoky nuance and a building floral element. Pliant dark berry and cherry compote flavors show a
refreshingly bitter quality and an exotic touch of candied lavender. Closes with excellent energy and
focus, leaving notes of allspice and cherry-cola behind. 91
Priced from: 44.95
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2010 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Southeast Block Eola-Amity Hills
($50) Bright ruby-red. Cherry, anise and musky herbs on the fragrant nose. Smoky, chewy and focused,
offering bitter cherry and rhubarb flavors that gain sweetness and spiciness with air. An impressively
intense finish shows fine-grained tannins and a late jolt of musky sassafras.
91
2011 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Dussin Vineyard Willamette Valley
($60) Vivid ruby-red. Smoky cherry and dark berries on the perfumed nose. Plush, palate-coating
cherry-cola and mocha flavors show very good depth for the vintage and pick up a sexy floral pastille
nuance with air. The smoky note repeats on the finish, which is shaped by silky, nicely integrated
tannins. This vineyard is located in the Yamhill-Carlton subzone. 91
2011 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District
($60) Ruby-red. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of raspberry, cola and dried rose. Juicy, penetrating and
appealingly sweet, with a seamless texture to its energetic red fruit and floral pastille flavors. Deeper
notes of licorice and mocha come up with air and carry through a long, smooth, gently tannic finish.
91
2011 Ayres Vineyard Pinot Noir Lewis Rogers Lane Ribbon Ridge
($38) Bright red. High-pitched, spicy aromas of red berries and pungent flowers are complemented by a
subtle Asian spice nuance. Sappy and incisive, offering light-bodied raspberry and bitter cherry flavors
that take on weight and sweetness with air. Shows real energy on the finish, which features finegrained tannins and a tangy, refreshingly bitter blood orange flourish. 91
Priced from: 34.02
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2011 Ayres Vineyard Pinot Noir Perspective Ribbon Ridge
($32) Bright red. Sexy, high-pitched red berry and floral aromas are complicated by notes of cola and
star anise. Juicy, focused and pure, with very good energy to its sappy raspberry and bitter cherry
flavors. A hint of orange zest adds lift and bite to a long, subtly tannic finish. This elegant, well-balanced
wine might surprise with its ability to age.
91
2010 Ayres Vineyard Pinot Noir Lewis Rogers Lane Ribbon Ridge
($40) Vivid ruby-red. Dark berries, cherry pit and sassafras on the pungent nose. Sappy and
concentrated, offering chewy black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that become sweeter with air.
Shows impressive clarity and lift on the persistent finish, which features fine-grained tannins and a
potent cherry quality. 91
2010 Ayres Vineyard Pinot Noir Perspective Ribbon Ridge
($35) Bright ruby. A highly pungent bouquet displays scents of ripe dark berries, sassafras, fruitcake and
licorice, with a lively mineral quality adding lift. Supple and concentrated, offering intense, deeply
pitched blackberry and bitter cherry flavors and complicating Indian spice and floral pastille nuances.
Rich but energetic, with chewy tannins adding grip to a long, sweet and penetrating finish. Showing
more weight and richness than I expect for a wine from Brad McLeroy, whose wines usually show a
distintctly elegant touch; this one is built for the cellar. 91
2011 Winderlea Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills
($48) (made from fruit harvested at 21.2 degrees Brix; 12.7% finished alcohol): Bright red. Intense red
berry and Asian spice scents are complemented by deeper notes of anise and cola. Smoky, penetrating
raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are braced by tangy acidity and pick up a floral pastille quality with
air. Finishes lively and long, with silky tannins adding grip.
91
2011 Winderlea Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District
($48) Brilliant ruby-red. Highly fragrant scents of fresh red berries, cherry pit, potpourri and vanilla.
Sappy and penetrating, showing very good depth to its tangy black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors.
This is leading with its fruit right now. Closes spicy and long, with a sexy floral touch and smooth, slowbuilding tannins.
91
2011 Alloro Vineyard Pinot Noir Riservata Chehalem Mountains
($45) Brilliant red. Pungent, high-pitched aromas of dried cherry, dried rose and spicecake, with a subtle
mineral overtone and a hint of vanilla. Juicy and precise, offering lively red and dark berry flavors and a
deeper note of bitter cherry. A touch of tangy orange pith adds lift and an exotic flourish to a long, spicy
and gently tannic finish. 91
2011 Chehalem Pinot Noir Stoller Vineyards Dundee Hills
($50) Vivid red. Intense, floral- and spice-accented aromas of raspberry and cherry pit, with a musky
underbrush quality adding complexity. Shows very good clarity and lift on the palate, which offers
sweet red fruit and rose pastille flavors and a hint of sassafras. Darker fruit qualities come up on the
spicy, extremely long finish. This fruit was all harvested at below 22 Brix and clocks in at 12.5% alcohol;
one-third new oak was used for aging. 91
2010 Boedecker Cellars Pinot Noir Carlton Hill Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District
($50) Bright ruby-red. Intense, spice-accented aromas of candied red fruits, rose oil and Asian spices.
Spicy and penetrating, offering gently sweet red and dark berry flavors that put on weight with air.
Finishes silky and long, with lingering spiciness and soft, even tannins. 91
2010 Boedecker Cellars Pinot Noir Cherry Grove Vineyard Willamette Valley
($50) Bright ruby-red. Pungent aromas of dried cherry, blackberry and musky herbs, with a sexy
potpourri nuance building in the glass. Juicy, concentrated and expansive, offering smoky cherry-cola
and licorice flavors and a hint of rose pastille. Dusty tannins shape the clinging, smoky finish.
91
2010 Carabella Vineyard Pinot Noir Estate Chehalem Mountains
($38) Bright ruby-red. Sexy, high-pitched aromas of cherry-cola, dark berries and spicecake, with a zesty
mineral element emerging with air. Smoky, penetrating red and dark berry and cola flavors of
impressive depth are energized by juicy acidity and a hint of peppery spices. A finish of lingering
sweetness features a late-appearing note of vanilla.
91
2011 Purple Hands Wine Pinot Noir Stoller Vineyard Dundee Hills
($30) Light red. Heady, complex scents of raspberry, incense and rose oil, with a hint of vanilla in the
background. Lively red fruit flavors show very good focus and an appealing sweetness, with a touch of
blood orange adding lift. Closes tangy and very long, with a suave floral quality and smooth, harmonious
tannins. I like the balance here, and there's more sweetness of fruit than I get in most examples from
this vintage.
91
2011 White Rose Wines Pinot Noir Lia's Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($60) Bright ruby-red. Complex, highly aromatic bouquet of red fruit preserves, potpourri and Asian
spices. Sappy and penetrating, offering gently sweet raspberry and cherry-cola flavors that put on
weight with air. Shows very good power for the vintage and finishes with strong smoky persistence,
leaving red fruit and floral notes behind.91
2011 Colene Clemens Vineyards Pinot Noir Adriane Chehalem Mountains
($45) Deep red. High-pitched red berry and floral aromas are given depth by notes of cola and licorice.
Bright and lively on the palate, which offers gently sweet raspberry and floral pastille flavors that take
on weight with aeration. Silky and penetrating on the nicely persistent finish, which features supple
tannins and a lingering floral quality.
91
2011 Colene Clemens Vineyards Pinot Noir Victoria Chehalem Mountains
($58) Vivid red. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of red berry liqueur, incense and rose oil. Supple and openknit, offering sweet raspberry and cherry flavors that pick up a spicy quality with aeration. Soft tannins
add shape to the finish, which strongly repeats the raspberry and spice notes. Very appealing right now.
91
2011 Solena Estate Pinot Noir Domaine Danielle Laurent Yamhill-Carlton District
($50) Vivid red. Flowers and spices perk up black raspberry and cola on the nose, with a hint of white
pepper in the background. Sappy and precise on the palate, offering incisive red and dark berry flavors
and suggestions of rose pastille and vanilla. Closes with impressive focus and energy, leaving floral and
spicecake notes behind. 91
2010 Solena Estate Pinot Noir Guadalupe Vineyard Dundee Hills
($40) Bright ruby-red. Heady, oak-accented aromas of cherry, blackberry and cola, with a subtle floral
topnote. Supple and expansive, offering sappy dark berry flavors and notes of vanilla and spicecake.
Showing a flamboyant character today, this pinot finishes with very good cling and persistent vanilla and
smoke notes. My score will go up if the oak integrates itself with this wine's ample fruit. (I also had the
chance to revisit the 2009 Pinot Noir Zena Crown Vineyard and found it extremely forward, with plenty
of rich dark berry fruit and fully absorbed tannins. I'm sure that it will drink well for at least the next few
years but it's pretty delicious right now.)
91(+?)
2010 Angela Estate Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton
($40) Bright red. Heady, intense perfume of candied rose, raspberry and spicecake. Sweet, penetrating
and emphatically floral on the palate, offering rose pastille and red berry preserve flavors and a hint of
blood orange. Closes tangy and long, with soft tannins and a hint of bitter chocolate. Quite exotic and
drinking extremely well now. 91
2011 Durant Vineyards Pinot Noir Bishop Vineyard Dundee Hills
($65) Vibrant red. Heady, spice-accented aromas of red fruit preserves, Asian spices and musky earth.
Sweet and penetrating, with very good energy to its sweet raspberry and spicecake flavors. Closes silky
and long, with lingering spiciness and a hint of bitter herbs. This vineyard was planted to the Pommard
clone in 1973 and grows on its own roots, meaning it hasn't been grafted over from something else
during the last 40 years. The winemaker is Isabelle Duarte, who is also responsible for the excellent
wines at De Ponte Cellars and her own 1789 brand.
91
2011 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Quailhurst Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($65) Bright ruby-red. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of black raspberry and cherry, with a smoky overtone
and a touch of musky herbs. Pliant, appealingly sweet red and dark berry flavors are lifted by peppery
spices and show very good energy. Closes smooth and long, with lingering vanilla and spicecake notes
and silky tannins.
91
2011 Stangeland Winery Pinot Noir Pommard Clone Eola-Amity Hills
($35) Deep red. Pungent, exotic perfume of dark berry preserves, cherry pit, sassafras and incense, with
a smoky topnote. Sappy and penetrating, boasting very good depth to its intensely spicy black raspberry
and bitter cherry flavors. Shows excellent clarity and lift on the finish, along with silky tannins and a late
kick of peppery spices. This sexy wine is delicious right now.
91
2011 Stangeland Winery Pinot Noir Estate Reserve Eola Amity Hills
($39) Deep red. Aromas of dark berry liqueur, violet and woodsmoke, with a suave floral nuance in the
background. Smooth and seamless in texture, displaying good heft to its sweet blackberry and cherry
flavors. Closes sweet and long, with lingering smokiness and slow-building tannins that shape and focus
the wine's succulent fruit.
91
2009 Bryn Mawr Vineyards Pinot Noir Krista's Block Eola-Amity Hills
($32) Deep red. Ripe raspberry and cherry on the nose, with a floral nuance adding complexity. Pliant,
silky and sweet, offering red berry preserve and floral pastille flavors and an enlivening note of blood
orange. Concentrated but lithe and precise, with excellent finishing energy and a lingering floral note.
91
2008 Bryn Mawr Vineyards Pinot Noir Reserve Eola-Amity Hills
($50) Dark red. Deep, pure aromas of redcurrant, cherry-cola, loam and rose oil. Pliant, sweet and
concentrated, offering sweet red fruit flavors and suggestions of licorice and bitter chocolate. A zesty
mineral note adds lift and cut to the clinging finish, which is firmed by dusty, fine-grained tannins that
build slowly with air. Shows plenty of complexity now but this wine seems to just be entering its
drinking window.
91
2011 Anam Cara Cellars Pinot Noir Nicholas Estate Wadenswil Chehalem Mountains
($55) Bright red. High-pitched aromas of red berries, fresh flowers and gingerbread, with a hint of
smokiness in the background. Sappy and incisive on the palate, offering lively raspberry and bitter
cherry flavors and a hint of bitter herbs. Closes with firm tannic grip and slow-building sweetness,
leaving a zesty blood orange note behind. I like the wine's tension and precision.
91
2011 Aubichon Cellars Pinot Noir Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge
($55) Dark red. A heady, exotically perfumed bouquet displays scents of red berry compote, incense
and smoky Indian spices. Tangy and precise, with a silky texture to its sweet black raspberry and cherryvanilla flavors. Finishes on a spicy note, with impressive clarity and very good persistence.
91
2011 St. Innocent Winery Pinot Noir Temperance Hill Eola-Amity Hills
($32) Light, bright violet. Pungent aromas of cherry pit, dark berries and fresh flowers, with a vanilla
nuance in the background. Lively and sharply focused on the palate, offering gently sweet, nicely
concentrated black raspberry, cherry and anise flavors and a hint of candied rose. Closes with very good
energy and lift, with silky tannins adding shape. This suave, fruit-driven pinot drinks very nicely after an
hour or so of air.
91
2011 St. Innocent Winery Pinot Noir Zenith Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($36) Vivid red. Smoky aromas of dark berry preserves, potpourri and musky underbrush, with a zesty
mineral underpinning. Fleshy black raspberry and mulberry flavors are energized by Asian spice and
cracked pepper qualities. Finishes on a long, sweet note of tangy dark berries, with excellent clarity and
lift. Nicely balanced and suited for at least short-term cellaring. 91
Priced from: 32.98
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2011 St. Innocent Winery Pinot Noir Momtazi Vineyard McMinnville
($32) Light, bright red. Musky cherry pit and red berries on the fragrant nose. Sappy, focused and
energetic, offering fresh raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of blood orange. Finishes incisive,
youthfully tannic and long, with a touch of vanilla and good depth. Shows the nervy personality of the
vintage but with suave buffering sweetness.
91
2010 Benton Lane Winery Pinot Noir First Class Willamette Valley
($60) (40% new oak here): Bright ruby-red. Sexy, perfumed aromas of cherry and black raspberry, with
smoke and spicecake nuances adding complexity. Smooth and open-knit, offering pliant dark fruit
flavors enlivened by tangy acidity. Shows some youthful, very sexy oak character on the finish, which
strongly echoes the cherry and vanilla notes. There's plenty of crowd appeal here.
91
2011 Foris Vineyards Winery Pinot Noir Maple Ranch Rogue Valley
($35) Vivid red. Sexy, floral- and smoke-accented aromas of blackberry and cherry-cola, with a spicy
quality adding lift to the bouquet. Silky and sweet on entry, then firmer in the mid-palate, offering
intense dark berry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of spicecake. Concentrated but lithe, with
excellent finishing thrust, slow-building tannins and impressive persistence. This fruit was harvested at
24.3 Brix, which is pretty high compared to most of the fruit in the Willamette Valley in '11.
91
2011 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Quarter Mile Lane Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($105) Bright red. Vibrant, high-pitched aromas of fresh red berries, rose oil and Asian spices, with
suave smoke and vanilla accents gaining strength with air. Nervy and penetrating on entry, then fleshier
and showing more depth in the mid-palate. Sweet raspberry and cherry-cola flavors of impressive
clarity linger on a silky, appealingly spicy finish that shows a hint of dusty tannins.
91
2011 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Calkins Lane Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($68) Bright red. Sexy aromas of raspberry, rhubarb, cinnamon, minerals and potpourri. Pure and
vibrant, with very good focus and cut to its lithe flavors of red berries, bitter cherry and spicecake. Turns
more supple with air, finishing with firm grip and a lingering note of Asian spices.
91
2011 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($90) Vivid ruby-red. Sexy, high-pitched aromas of red berries, rose oil and Asian spices, with notes of
cola and woodsmoke adding complexity. Smooth and seamless on the palate, with its flavors of sappy
black raspberry and spicecake and an undercurrent of smoky herbs. Closes with very good clarity and
cut, leaving smoky red fruit notes behind. The grapes for this wine were picked on October 27; 33% new
French oak here.
91
2011 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Zenith Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($90) Deep red. Black raspberry and potpourri scents are sharpened by notes of white pepper and zesty
minerals. Taut and sharply focused on entry, then fleshier and chewier in the mid-palate, offering bitter
cherry and blackberry flavors that are lifted by juicy acidity. The floral quality comes back strong on the
finish, which features dusty tannins and a bright mineral quality.
91
2010 Torii Mor Winery Pinot Noir Olson Estate Vineyard Dundee Hills
($60) Bright ruby-red. Pungent cherry pit and blackberry aromas are lifted by a sexy floral nuance.
Sweet and expansive, offering juicy cherry-cola and dark berry flavors braced by tangy acidity. Shows a
supple texture and becomes more floral with air, picking up a candied rose element that lingers on the
lightly chewy finish. This pinot has the depth to age slowly.
91
2010 Torii Mor Winery Pinot Noir Nysa Vineyard Dundee Hills
($55) Vivid ruby-red. High-pitched red berry and floral aromas are complemented by smoky minerals,
sassafras and orange zest. Spicy and penetrating in the mouth, offering lively raspberry and bitter
cherry flavors and hints of allspice and cinnamon. Closes with strong spicy thrust, appealing sweetness
and light, fine-grained tannins. Very pretty and approachable now.
91
2010 Cristom Vineyards Pinot Noir Sommers Reserve Willamette Valley
($41) Bright ruby red. Intense red berry and Asian spice aromas are given depth by notes of cola and
mocha. Juicy and incisive on the palate, offering appealingly sweet raspberry and rose pastille flavors
and a bright kick of cinnamon. Finishes on an energetic note, with excellent clarity and gentle tannic
grip. The 2009 version carried 14.3% alcohol while this one checks in at 13.5%. 91
2010 Anne Amie Vineyards Pinot Noir Twelve Oaks Estate Chehalem Mountains
($50) Bright ruby. Pungent dark berry and incense aromas are complemented by notes of spicecake and
sassafras. Sappy and penetratingly sweet black raspberry and vanilla flavors, plus a suave touch of
candied rose. The floral note carries through a long, gently tannic finish with very good energy and lift.
91
2011 Trisaetum Pinot Noir Estates Reserve Willamette Valley
($75) Vivid red. Sexy, high-pitched aromas of red berries, star anise and potpourri, along with deeperpitched nuances of cola and vanilla. Shows very good intensity on the palate, offering sweet black
raspberry and spicecake flavors and a touch of bitter chocolate. The smooth, sweet, clinging finish is
given grip by dusty, fine-grained tannins.
91
2011 Trisaetum Pinot Noir Coast Range Estate Yamhill-Carlton District
($55) Vivid red. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of red fruit liqueur, Asian spices and rose oil. Juicy, penetrating
and appealingly sweet, offering vibrant raspberry and blood orange flavors that turn spicier with air.
Closes on a bright, fruity note, with subtle vanilla and cola nuances adding depth. Very expressive right
now but this pinot has the depth to warrant at least a few more years of bottle age.
91
2011 Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir Lorna-Marie Willamette Valley
($70) (60% new oak): Bright red. High-pitched red fruit and floral aromas are complicated by smoky
minerals and cola. At once silky and penetrating, showing very good clarity to its fresh raspberry and
bitter cherry flavors. Finishes energetic and precise, with silky tannins and suave floral and spicecake
nuances.
91
2011 Archery Summit Winery Pinot Noir Arcus Estate Dundee Hills
($100) Vivid red. A complex bouquet evokes dark berries, cola, dried rose and sassafras, with mocha
and vanilla undertones. Silky and penetrating, with good energy to its spice-accented blackberry and
cherry-cola flavors. A hint of orange pith adds a refreshingly bitter edge and lift to a smooth, sweet and
persistent finish. This is showing enough complexity to be enjoyed now without guilt but I'd let mine
rest for another couple of years or so. 91
2011 Aberrant Cellars Pinot Noir Carpe Noctum Eola-Amity Hills
($55) Bright ruby-red. Sexy dark berry and Asian spice aromas show impressive clarity and pick up a cola
nuance with air. Sappy and precise on the palate, offering lively black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors
and a hint of candied rose. Finishes sweet and long, with excellent clarity and supple, fully absorbed
tannins.91
2011 Big Table Farm Pinot Noir Pelos-Sandberg Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton
($45) Vivid red. Pungent, spice-accented cherry and blackberry aromas show very good clarity and a
hint of tarragon. Sappy and penetrating, offering black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that pick up a
smoky nuance with air. Supple tannins give shape to the subtly floral finish.
91
2011 Big Table Farm Pinot Noir Wirtz Vineyard Willamette Valley
($45) Vivid red. High-pitched redcurrant, strawberry and blood orange scents are complemented by
notes of spicecake and fresh flowers. Bright, racy and subtly sweet, offering zesty red fruit and floral
flavors and a bracing jolt of minerality. Closes with lingering sweetness, soft tannins and a sexy note of
candied rose. 91
2011 Big Table Farm Pinot Noir Cattrall Brothers Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($45) (11.9% alcohol): Bright red. High-pitched aromas of red berries, star anise and smoky minerals. A
suave floral pastille nuance emerges with air and joins sweet raspberry and cherry-cola flavors on the
palate. Finishes with strong mineral cut and lingering floral and bitter cherry qualities. Quite graceful,
and balanced to reward at least a few more years of patience. 91
2010 Westrey Wine Company Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($39) Bright ruby-red. Pungent aromas of dried red fruits, incense and lavender, with a spicy topnote.
Juicy, densely packed raspberry and cherry flavors gain sweetness with air while retaining impressive
energy. The spicy quality returns on the incisive, gently sweet finish, which is framed and firmed by finegrained tannins. Definitely let this one rest for a bit.
91(+?)
2010 Westrey Wine Company Pinot Noir Reserve Willamette Valley
($40) Bright red. Intense cherry and black raspberry aromas show excellent clarity and pick up smoke
and Asian spice nuances with air. Sweet, penetrating and seamless, with strong punch to its bitter
cherry and dark berry flavors. The spicy note comes back strong on the finish, which features supple
tannins and a suave floral pastille flourish.
91
2011 Brick House Vineyards Pinot Noir Les Dijonnais Ribbon Ridge
($55) Brilliant red. High-pitched aromas of red berries, Asian spices and fresh rose, with a smoky
mineral note sneaking in with air. Silky and precise on the palate, offering sweet raspberry and floral
pastille flavors and hint of licorice adding depth. Distinctly elegant, with supple tannins adding shape to
a long, floral-dominated finish. 91
2011 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Balcombe Dundee Hills
($36) Vivid ruby-red. Spicy red berries, herbs and Asian spices on the nose. Fresh and juicy, with
energetic redcurrant and raspberry flavors underscored by smoky minerals. Shows impressive energy
and structure, finishing clean and brisk, with slow-building tannins and lingering sweetness.
91
Priced from: 39.99
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2011 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Durant Vineyard Dundee Hills
($52) Brilliant red. Vibrant cherry and black raspberry on the nose, with complementary notes of black
cardamom, underbrush and vanilla. Sweet, focused and energetic, offering nicely concentrated cherry
and spicecake flavors and invigorating acidity. Closes tangy and very long, with subtle tannins and a sexy
floral pastille quality. 91
2010 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Bernau Block Willamette Valley
($45) (12.5% alcohol): Bright red. Vibrant, floral aromas of redcurrant, wild strawberry, Asian spices
and white pepper. Lithe and precise, offering bracing red berry and blood orange flavors and a touch of
medicinal bitterness. Finishes clean and dry, with lingering red fruit and floral notes and very good
persistence.
91
2010 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Hannah Vineyard Willamette Valley
($45) Vivid red. High-pitched aromas of red berries, fresh rose and Asian spices. Mineral-sharpened
raspberry and bitter cherry flavors show a suave marriage of power and vivacity, with a zesty cinnamon
quality adding bite. Finishes sappy and precise, with silky tannins and a lingering floral quality. 91
2010 Broadley Vineyards Pinot Noir Jessica Willamette Valley
($50) Brilliant red. Spicy cherry and redcurrant on the nose, with suave floral and anise nuances adding
complexity. Mineral-accented red and dark berry flavors are youthfully taut but wonderfully
concentrated, with a succulent herbal quality adding complexity. Closes spicy and long, with excellent
clarity, length and harmonious tannins. This should age gracefully.
91
2011 Anam Cara Cellars Pinot Noir Mark VI Chehalem Mountains
($65) Pale red. Red berry and floral scents are complicated by notes of blood orange and pungent
herbs. Taut and linear on the palate, offering zesty redcurrant and strawberry flavors that show a
refreshing bitterness and strong spicy cut. Sweeter on the persistent finish, featuring notes of
woodsmoke, cola and candied flowers. 90
2010 Vista Hills Pinot Noir Tusculum Estate Dundee Hills
($44) Bright ruby-red. Lively red berry and floral aromas are complemented by notes of vanilla and
woodsmoke. Juicy and seamless on the palate, offering sweet raspberry and cherry compote flavors
and a hint of white pepper. Finishes with an echo of vanilla and gentle tannins that add shape and grip.
90
2011 St. Innocent Winery Pinot Noir Vitae Springs Vineyard Willamette Valley
($32) Brilliant red. Intense red berry and floral aromas are complicated by notes of spicecake and musky
herbs. Tangy, sharply focused and nicely concentrated, offering zesty raspberry and bitter cherry flavors
and a hint of allspice. Closes with solid punch, slow-building tannins and a lingering red berry quality.
90
2011 Seven of Hearts Pinot Noir Special Reserve Willamette Valley
($42) Translucent red. Aromas of candied red berries, herbs and rose oil, with a deeper cola note
coming up with air. Supple and expansive on the palate, offering sweet red fruit flavors and a zestier
note of blood orange that adds lift. This nervy, precise wine finishes with very good clarity and cut.
90
2011 Roco Wines Pinot Noir Marsh Estate Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District
($50) Bright red. Sexy, high-pitched red berry and floral aromas are complicated by notes of spicecake
and vanilla. Smooth, sweet and spicy on the palate, offering open-knit black raspberry and cherry
compote flavors and a bracing note of orange zest. Closes with very good focus and energy, leaving a
spicy note behind.
90
2011 Roco Wines Pinot Noir Private Stash No. 9 Wits End Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($70) Vivid red. High-pitched raspberry and cherry scents are complicated by dried rose, vanilla and
underbrush. Gently sweet and penetrating red fruit flavors show a refreshingly bitter edge and gain
sweetness with air. Closes on a spicy note, with very good clarity and gentle tannic grip. 90
2008 Walnut City Wineworks Pinot Noir Reserve Willamette Valley
($30) Bright red. Smoky cherry and dark berry aromas are complemented by dried rose and sassafras.
Sweet and open-knit, showing good heft to its bitter cherry and blackberry flavors. Becomes spicier with
air and closes broad, smooth and long, with subtle tannins adding shape. Plenty delicious right now
(and just released, by the way) but I suspect that it will be even more interesting in a few more years.
90
2010 Hawks View Cellars Pinot Noir Hawks View Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($38) Vivid ruby-red. Dark berries and cherry-cola on the highly perfumed nose. Juicy and appealingly
sweet, offering black raspberry, cola and floral pastille flavors and a touch of vanilla. Supple and fruity
on the finish, featuring rounded tannins, a smoky nuance and lingering dark berry flavors. I'd drink this
opulent but balanced pinot over the next few years, while the fruit is at the fore.90
2011 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Bryan Creek Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($75) Bright red. High-pitched, smoke-accented red berry and Asian spice aromas give way to deeper
cherry and black raspberry with air. Shows very good focus and energy, offering tangy red and dark
berry and bitter cherry flavors underscored by notes of black tea and cola. Finishes with strong cut and
tangy lift, along with a subtle note of candied rose.
90
2011 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola Amity Hills
($68) Bright ruby-red. Displays smoke-accented aromas of red and dark berries, pungent flowers and
vanilla, with a peppery topnote. The dark berries take charge on the palate, which shows very good
energy and sweet cola and mocha qualities. Finishes smoky, sweet and long, with smooth tannins
lending structure.
90
2011 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Bramble Hill Vineyard Ribbon Ridge
($68) Deep red. Lively cherry and blackberry aromas are deepened by notes of sassafras and mocha.
Juicy, incisive and gently sweet, offering silky dark berry flavors lifted by tangy acidity. Dusty tannins
help structure and focus the finish, which leaves sappy berry and bitter cherry notes behind. Shows the
firmness of the vintage but comes off succulent and generous, in the context of 2011. 90
2011 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Elizabeth's Reserve Willamette Valley
($55) Light, bright red. Fresh red berries, rose oil and Asian spices on the perfumed nose. Silky, openknit raspberry and floral pastille flavors show good depth and become spicier with air. Quite suave, with
plush red fruit note clinging on a long, smooth, subtly tannic finish. This sexy pinot should be in its
prime within the next couple of years. 90
2011 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Ribbon Springs Vineyard Ribbon Ridge
($68) Bright ruby-red. Pungent black raspberry and cola aromas are lifted by notes of white pepper and
smoky minerals. Juicy and expansive, offering sweet red and dark berry flavors and a touch of vanilla.
Supple and gently spicy on a finish that shows very good persistence and slow-building, fine-grained
tannins.
90
2010 Torii Mor Winery Pinot Noir Olalla Vineyard Umpqua Valley
($55) Bright red. Pungent dark berry and cola aromas are complemented by notes of musky herbs and
lavender. Rich and smoky on the palate, offering gently sweet black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors
that pick up a spicy element with air. Shows good power and breadth on the clinging finish, which is
firmed by chewy tannins and a jolt of tangy acidity. Quite powerful but there's plenty of energy and
freshness here as well. 90
2010 Torii Mor Winery Pinot Noir La Colina Vineyard Dundee Hills
($55) Light, bright red. Black raspberry, cherry and pungent herb aromas are brightened by a spicy
topnote. Fresh and lively, with sharply focused dark fruit, floral pastille and bitter chocolate flavors and
a hint of white pepper. Finishes with silky, slow-building tannins and very good cut and vivacity.
Balanced to age but delicious right now for its energetic fruit. 90
2011 Trisaetum Pinot Noir Wichmann Dundee Estate Dundee Hills
($55) (12.5% alcohol): Brilliant red. Displays high-toned aromas of redcurrant and strawberry, with
musky rhubarb and herb nuances adding depth. Light-bodied red fruit and floral pastille flavors are
braced by tangy acidity and show a refreshingly bitter quality. Finishes with very good clarity and spicy
persistence, leaving a note of cola behind.
90
2011 Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir 10 Acre Willamette Valley
($50) Light, bright red. Zesty red berry and floral aromas are complicated by cinnamon and woodsmoke.
Lithe and precise, with a tangy edge to its redcurrant and strawberry flavors. Finishes firm, spicy and
long, with silky tannins contributing shape.
90
2011 Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir West Block Willamette Valley
($50) Vivid red. Ripe, spice-tinged red fruit preserve and floral aromas show surprising depth for the
vintage. Taut and sharply focused, offering bitter cherry and redcurrant flavors and a hint of candied
orange. The energy of the vintage come through clearly here. Finishes incisive and long, with subtle
tannins and lingering spiciness. No fat here, for sure. 90
2011 Archery Summit Winery Pinot Noir Looney Vineyard Ribbon Ridge
($85) Vivid red. Fresh red berries and candied rose on the nose, with notes of vanilla and anise adding
depth. Sappy and precise on the palate, offering gently sweet raspberry and floral pastille flavors and a
smoky quality on the back half. Closes with very good clarity and sneaky sweetness, leaving red fruit
preserve and vanilla notes behind.
90
2011 Archery Summit Winery Pinot Noir Archer's Edge Estate Dundee Hills
($85) Vivid red. High-pitched black raspberry, floral and Asian spice aromas are deepened by notes of
cola and mocha. Deeper and darker in character on the palate, offering sweet cherry and blackberry
flavors and a hint of spicecake. Finishes smooth and long, with exotic spice and floral nuances and
gently chewy tannins. 90
2011 Illahe Pinot Noir Reserve Willamette Valley
($40) Bright red. Fresh red berry and floral aromas are given depth by suggestions of anise and mocha.
Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering sweet raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of bitter
chocolate. Silky tannins come on late and add structure to a long, spicy finish that leaves notes of star
anise and candied rose behind. 90
2011 Aberrant Cellars Pinot Noir Virtus ex Eola-Amity Hills
($45) Light, bright red. Spice- and floral-accented aromas of dried red fruits, potpourri and allspice, with
a hint of smokiness in the background. Silky and broad on the palate, offering sappy raspberry and
cherry compote flavors and a touch of licorice. Clings nicely on the finish, which features soft tannins
and an exotic floral pastille nuance. Balances fleshiness with energy smoothly and drinks very well right
now. 90
2011 Omero Cellars Pinot Noir Coats & Whitney Vineyard Oregon
($48) (made from a blend of Pommard and Wadenswil clones): Bright red. Lively aromas of red and
dark berries, fresh flowers and pungent herbs. Shows very good energy and clarity on the palate,
offering tangy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of mocha. Closes with strong cut, leaving
zesty red fruit and spicecake notes behind. This vineyard is in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA but this isn't
indicated on the label, nor is the fact that it's in the Willamette Valley. 90
2011 Omero Cellars Pinot Noir Omero Vineyard Oregon
($58) (12.5% alcohol): Bright red. Fragrant scents of red berry preserves, anise, minerals and pungent
flowers. Spicy, vibrant flavors of black raspberry, bitter cherry, minerals and white pepper, plus a hint of
candied rose. Chewy in texture but lively too, showing very good clarity on the gently tannic floral, spicy
finish. By the way, the labels of Omero's single-vineyard wines make no indication of their AVAs
(Yamhill-Carlton for the Coats & Whitney and Ribbon Ridge for the Omero), simply stating "Oregon,"
which isn't very helpful to curious or savvy wine buyers. 90
2011 Big Table Farm Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($38) Light, bright red. Spice- and floral-accented aromas of dried cherry and redcurrant, with a musky
rhubarb quality coming up with air. Light-bodied, chewy and refreshingly bitter, offering taut but
concentrated red fruit flavors and a hint of bitter orange pith. Closes with firm grip and very good
length, leaving a smoky note behind. 90
Priced from: 45
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2011 Lachini Vineyards Pinot Noir S Chahalem Mountains
($48) Vivid red. Lively oak-kissed aromas of redcurrant, cherry and fresh flowers, with a hint of mocha in
the background. Juicy, tightly focused red and dark berry flavors show a refreshing bitterness, with a
cola nuance adding a deeper note. Closes sweet and long, with lingering spiciness and sneaky finegrained tannins.
90
2010 Westrey Wine Company Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($28) Bright red. Smoky raspberry and cherry-cola aromas display very good energy and expand with
air. Smooth and fleshy on the palate, offering plump red fruit flavors and a deeper mocha quality that
adds sweetness. Closes smoky and long, leaving juicy red fruit and floral notes behind. 90
2011 Stephen Goff Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton
($48) (raised in 45% new oak and the rest in one-year-old barrels): Bright ruby-red. Lively red fruit and
floral aromas, along with an Asian spice topnote. Sappy raspberry and cherry-vanilla flavors show very
good energy and pick up a smoky quality with air. Finishes spicy and long, with lingering rose and
allspice qualities.
90
2011 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Olenik Wadensvil Block Chehalem Mountains
($42) (from a section of the vineyard planted to this clone in 1991): Vivid ruby-red. Intense cherry and
dark berry aromas are complemented by fresh rose and mocha. Sappy and precise, showing good lift to
its black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors. Turns weightier on the finish, displaying a bitter cherry
quality and soft, well-knit tannins.
90
2011 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Estate Ribbon Ridge
($30) Bright red. Raspberry and cherry-cola aromas are complicated by rose oil and black tea. Shows
the vibrancy and cut of the vintage, offering lively red fruit flavors and a touch of pepperiness on the
back half. Closes spicy and long, with very good clarity and no obvious tannins. This pretty wine is
drinking nicely now.
90
2010 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Signature Cuvee Willamette Valley
($50) Light red. Ripe raspberry and floral scents are lifted by a note of white pepper and a hint of musky
herbs. Dusty and taut on entry, then sweeter in the mid-palate, offering tangy red fruit flavors and a
touch of bitter chocolate. Closes with very good cling, a bright mineral edge, and silky, fine-grained
tannins.90
2010 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Tualatin Estate Vineyard Willamette Valley
($45) Vivid ruby-red. Smoky dark berry and cherry pit scents are energized by notes of allspice and
clove. Vanilla and mocha notes come up with air and add sweetness to the fleshy black raspberry and
cherry-cola flavors. Supple, open-knit wine with strong finishing punch and sneaky, fine-grained tannins
adding shape and grip. 90
2010 Broadley Vineyards Pinot Noir Marcile Lorraine Willamette Valley
($50) Vivid ruby-red. Smoky cherry and dark berry aromas are complicated by notes of cured meat,
licorice and dried flowers. On the wild side, offering pungent blackberry and bitter cherry flavors and an
energizing touch of cracked pepper. Closes spicy and long, with lingering smokiness and slow-building
tannins. This pinot could handle the most strongly seasoned foods and would be a great match with
grilled lamb, for which I'd usually pull a cabernet or syrah.
90
2010 Amity Vineyards Pinot Noir Amity Estate Vineyard Willamette Valley
($40) Vivid red. Spice- and earth-accented aromas of dried cherry, redcurrant and potpourri. Smoky,
spicy and focused, with spicy red fruit flavors becoming sweeter with air. Very fresh and energetic wine
with strong finishing cut and silky, slow-building tannins.
90
2011 Saffron Fields Pinot Noir Yamhiil-Carlton
($48) Bright ruby-red. Heady spice- and smoke-accented aromas of red berries, cherry and sassafras,
lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy and supple in texture, offering gently sweet black raspberry and vanilla
flavors and a touch of star anise. Closes on a tangy note, with very good clarity, silky tannins and gentle
grip. 90
2010 Tyee Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley
($35) Vivid red. Fresh red berries and potpourri on the fragrant nose. Juicy and precise, offering lively
raspberry and cola flavors and a hint of candied rose. Picks up weight with air and finishes with
impressive energy, silky tannins and lingering notes of sweet red fruit and floral pastilles.
90
2011 Andrew Rich Wines Pinot Noir Verbatim Willamette Valley
($30) Bright red. Pungent dark berry and floral aromas are lifted and sharpened by a peppery, spicy
nuance. Lively, gently sweet raspberry and cherry flavors pick up a refreshingly bitter nuance with air,
along with a touch of mocha. Silky tannins come on late and add grip to a long, sweet, smoke-accented
finish. 90
Priced from: 29.98
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2011 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir Five Mountain Williamette Valley
($48) Bright red. Lively cherry and black raspberry aromas are given depth by hints of sassafras and
black tea. Sappy and penetrating, offering bitter cherry and dark berry flavors that are given a tangy
edge by bright acidity. Closes firm and long, with resonating spiciness and slow-building, fine-grained
tannins.90
2009 Methven Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Reserve Willamette Valley
($42) Bright ruby-red. Ripe dark berries, cola and vanilla bean on the fragrant nose. Round and openknit, offering sweet blackberry and cherry-cola flavors and a touch of mocha. In an extroverted,
approachable style, finishing with very good breadth, soft tannins and lingering smokiness. This pinot
was raised in 100% new oak. 90
2009 Methven Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Elk Cove Vineyard Willamette Valley
($45) Bright ruby-red. Exotic perfume of dark berries, incense and dried rose, with a vanilla nuance
adding depth. Smooth, open-knit black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors show very good energy and
turn sweeter with air. The smoky finish shows very good persistence and a lingering vanilla note.
90
2009 Stanton Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($30) Bright red. Sexy red berry and floral pastille aromas are complemented by deeper notes of black
cardamom and licorice. Sweet and smoky on the palate, offering warm black raspberry and spicecake
flavors and a hint of white pepper. Finishes spicy and long, with slow-building tannins and very good
energy. This wine is made by the Boedecker Cellars team at their winery.
90
2010 Winter's Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir Dundee Hills
($34) Pale red. Red berries, rose oil and blood orange on the fragrant nose. Juicy and precise, with
strong lift and cut to its redcurrant and raspberry flavors. Closes clean and tangy, with lingering red
berry character and excellent cling.
90
2010 Arcane Cellars Pinot Noir Vista Hills Chehalem Mountains
($40) Bright ruby-red. Sexy, floral-tinged aromas of dark berries, Asian spices and cola, with a smoky
nuance in the background. Fleshy and appealingly sweet, with sappy black raspberry and spicecake
flavors and a zesty touch of orange pith. Closes with very good energy and thrust, with soft tannins
adding shape. 90
2011 Lia's Vineyard Pinot Noir Lia's Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($27) Bright red. Aromas of red berries, spicecake and musky herbs, with a hint of smokiness emerging
with air. Clean and nervy on the palate, offering tangy redcurrant and strawberry flavors that become
sweeter with air. Racy, penetrating red fruit and spice qualities linger on the long, mouthwatering
finish, which features a kick of bitter herbs. Grown-up in style, showing no easy sweetness but plenty of
complexity.
90
2011 Raptor Ridge Winery Pinot Noir Reserve Willamette Valley
($45) Deep red. Flamboyant aromas of raspberry liqueur, incense and rose oil, with a cola nuance in the
background. Sweet and seamless on the palate, offering tangy, spice-accented red and dark berry
flavors and a touch of bitter blood orange. Finishes with good cut and thrust, leaving Asian spice and
red fruit notes behind. This exotic pinot drinks very easily right now.
90
2011 Raptor Ridge Winery Pinot Noir The Trig Willamette Valley
($41) Bright ruby. Pungent, spice-accented aromas of blackberry, cherry pit and cola, with a smoky
topnote. On the palate, intense red and dark berry flavors show very good clarity and back-end lift.
Taut and precise on the finish, which leaves sweet floral pastille and cherry notes behind.
90
2010 Et Fille Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($24) Bright red. Pungent, smoke-accented aromas of dried cherry, blood orange and candied rose.
Taut and linear on entry, then fleshier and more broad in the mid-palate, offering gently sweet red fruit
flavors and a hint of peppery spices. Shows very good clarity and lift on the finish, which echoes the
floral and cherry notes. This nervy, incisive wine improves a lot with aeration, by the way.
90(+?)
2011 Left Coast Cellars Pinot Noir Truffle Hill Wadenswil Willamette Valley
($35) Ruby-red. Dark raspberry, spicy oak and floral aromas show good energy and clarity. Silky on
entry, then velvety and sweet in the mid-palate, with complex, spice-accented flavors of raspberry,
blackberry and candied flowers. Brisk acidity adds lift and focus to the gently tannic finish, which lingers
with excellent persistence and sweetness.
90
2008 Left Coast Cellars Pinot Noir Suzanne's Estate Reserve Willamette Valley
($45) Ruby-red. Musky cherry pit and dark berry aromas are lifted by notes of white pepper and
allspice. Offers tangy black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and an exotic touch of blood orange,
which adds a bitter edge. Tannins come on late but are quickly subdued by the wine's fruit. Closes on a
palate-numbing medicinal cherry note, with very good clarity and persistence. 90
2010 J. Christopher Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($28) Bright, slightly hazy red. Dried cherry and raspberry aromas are lifted by notes of allspice and
blood orange. Juicy, focused and gently sweet, offering vibrant red fruit flavors that gain weight with
aeration. Dusty tannins give grip to the long and focused finish. Pretty strong for an entry-level bottling.
90
Priced from: 38.99
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2010 J. Christopher Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Cuvee Dundee Hills
($35) Bright violet color. Blackberry, white pepper, licorice and potpourri on the fragrant nose. Dense,
supple and sweet, with lush flavors of black raspberry, candied rose and mocha. Fleshy, appealingly
sweet and tactile pinot, finishing with lingering dark fruit and very good tenacity.
90
2010 J. Christopher Pinot Noir Olenik Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($45) Vivid ruby-red. Powerful cherry and dark berry aromas are enlivened by a peppery, spicy nuance.
Pliant, palate-coating black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors show very good depth and pick up a
smoky quality with air. Closes with chewy texture and a refreshingly bitter note, highlighting youthful
tannins and a late hint of licorice.
90
2011 Dominio IV Pinot Noir Bella Vida Vineyard The Violet Hour Dundee Hills
($38) Bright red. Spicy raspberry and mulberry scents are complemented by notes of mace and dried
rose. Elegant, focused and light on its feet, offering musky, floral-accented red berry flavors and a silken
texture. The tangy, spice-accented finish clings persistently, repeating the raspberry note.
90
2011 Dominio IV Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard Five Feet Deep and Smiling Dundee Hills
($48) Brilliant red. Sexy, high-pitched aromas of raspberry, white flowers and allspice, with a smoky
nuance coming up with air. Juicy, penetrating and appealingly sweet red fruit flavors gain flesh and
spiciness with air. Shows a suave floral quality on the long, tangy finish. 90
2011 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Willamette Valley
($25) Bright red. Musky, penetrating aromas of redcurrant, dried cherry and rhubarb, with a smoky
overtone and an exotic floral note. Shows very good focus and energy on the palate, offering vibrant
red fruit liqueur and vanilla flavors that pick up sweetness with air. Clean, nervy and focused on the
finish, which betrays no tannins and hangs on impressively. This is an excellent entry-level Willamette
Valley pinot by any measure, and even more so considering the vintage. 90
2011 Biggio Hamina Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($25) Vivid red. Sexy aromas of candied red berries, Asian spices and orange zest. Light-bodied
strawberry and cherry flavors show good focus and a tangy edge. Distinctly lithe, in the style of the
better wines of the vintage. Closes clean and nervy, with excellent clarity and spicy persistence. This
pinot delivers superb value.
90
2011 Lemelson Vineyards Pinot Noir Stermer Vineyard Willamette Valley
($42) Bright ruby-red. Intense red and dark berry aromas are complemented by deeper-pitched notes of
cola and licorice. Smooth and open-knit, showing good depth to its sweet black raspberry and cherry
compote flavors. Missing the edginess that afflicts most 2011s but this is still quite fresh and incisive.
Finishes on a smoky note, with excellent focus and lingering spiciness. 90
2011 Lemelson Vineyards Pinot Noir Meyer Vineyard Willamette Valley
($42) (all Dijon clone 777 from a single block; 50% new oak): Bright ruby-red. Sexy, high-pitched aromas
of black raspberry, Asian spices and fresh rose, with a vanilla nuance adding depth. Sappy and
penetrating in the mouth, offering sweet red and dark berry flavors and notes of spicecake and candied
flowers. The vanilla element returns on the long, sweet, seamless finish; this is already delicious. The
Meyer vineyard is in the Dundee Hills AVA, by the way. 90
2011 Scott Paul Wine Cellars Pinot Noir La Paulee Dundee Hills
($39) (made from fruit grown in the Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge and Chehalem Mountains AVAs): Light
red. Sexy aromas of red berry preserves and incense, with a spicy topnote and a hint of blood orange.
Racy and precise on the palate, offering pure raspberry and cherry flavors that show an appealing
sweetness. Closes silky and long, with resonating spiciness and no obvious tannins. Shows the finesse
of the vintage to very good effect.
90
2010 Coeur de Terre Pinot Noir Estate McMinnville
($36) Bright ruby-red. Dark berries, cherry-vanilla and smoky Indian spices on the nose. Fleshy and
broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors and
subtle vanilla and mocha nuances. Closes smooth and long, with slow-building tannins and a late note
of bitter chocolate.
90
2010 Coeur de Terre Pinot Noir Tallulah's Run Willamette Valley
($60) Bright ruby. Oak-spiced aromas of cherry, blackberry and lavender, with a smoky overtone.
Shows good depth and power but comes off elegant, offering sweet dark fruit and spicecake flavors and
a hint of floral pastille. Finishes broad, chewy and long, with supple tannins adding shape and firmness.
90
2011 Van Duzer Vineyards Pinot Noir Dijon Blocks Willamette Valley
($55) Bright red. Pungent, smoke-accented aromas of cherry and dark berries. Chewy, nicely
concentrated black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors pick up spiciness with air and show good power
and sweetness for the vintage. Finishes smooth and seamless, with lingering notes of spicecake and
cherry-cola.
90
2010 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Estate Cuvee Dundee Hills
($60) Deep red. Pungent aromas of dried cherry, rhubarb and underbrush, with a sexy potpourri nuance
in the background. Spicy and taut, displaying very good focus to its bitter cherry and licorice flavors.
Closes with solid punch and grip, leaving smoke and peppery spice notes behind on the persistent floral,
spicy finish.
90
2010 Lundeen Pinot Noir Ana Vineyard Dundee Hills
($40) Bright red. Smoky aromas of black raspberry and cola, with a peppery note adding lift. Sappy,
gently sweet dark berry flavors are braced by gentle acidity and show very good depth. Becomes spicier
with air, picking up a star anise quality that carries through a long, sweet, subtly oak-spiced finish.
Drinking very well right now, especially with some aeration.
90
2010 Lundeen Pinot Noir Reserve Willamette Valle
($30) Bright red. Ripe red berries, woodsmoke and dried rose on the fragrant nose. Juicy and focused
on the palate, offering tangy redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of vanilla. Finishes energetic
and long, with a resonating floral note and soft, even tannins. This drinks very well now. 90
2010 Dion Vineyard Pinot Noir Winemakers Reserve Chehalem Mountains
($35) (50% new oak): Bright ruby-red. Redcurrant, dried cherry and rose oil on the fragrant nose. Taut
and slow to open, offering tangy red fruit and floral pastille flavors and a touch of anise. Notes of mocha
and cola emerge with air and carry through a long, penetrating finish that features silky tannins and
alluring florality.
90
2011 North Valley Pinot Noir Soter Vineyards Willamette Valley
($30) Dark red. Fresh raspberry, spicecake and rose oil on the fragrant nose. Silky, smoky and
appealingly fruit-forward, offering lively red berry flavors and a hint of bitter chocolate. Shows very
good energy and persistence on the finish, which features fine-grained tannins and a touch of medicinal
bitterness.
90
Priced from: 25.98
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2011 Walter Scott Wines Pinot Noir Clos des Oiseaux Eola-Amity Hills
($40) Dark red. Fresh red berry and floral aromas are complemented by notes of mocha and sassafras.
Spicy and velvety on the palate, with energetic raspberry and cherry-vanilla flavors lifted by a zesty
mineral nuance. Closes seamless and long, with resonating spiciness and lingering red berry character.
Quite sexy and drinking well now.
90
2011 Walter Scott Wines Pinot Noir Dumb Ox Eola-Amity Hills
($38) (all Pommard clone, from ungrafted vines; 35% new oak): Vivid ruby-red. Dark berries and cherrycola on the perfumed nose. Smooth and sweet on entry, then firmer in the mid-palate, offering sharply
focused bitter cherry and blackberry flavors and a hint of spicecake. A vanilla note emerges with air and
carries through an impressively long, smoky finish.
90
2009 ADEA Wine Company Pinot Noir Ann Sigrid Willamette Valley
($35) Light red. Pungent aromas of ripe strawberry, vanilla and white pepper, with a note of incense
that gains strength with air. Fresh and lively, with intense raspberry and cherry-vanilla flavors and a
zesty orange peel note adding lift and cut. Juicy, appealingly sweet pinot, with very good energy and
drive to its smooth, seamless finish.
90
2009 ADEA Wine Company Pinot Noir Durant Vineyard Dundee Hills
($45) Light, bright red. Aromas of red berries and dried cherry, plus a musky herbal quality emerging
with air. Offers firm redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors with good focus and back-end lift. The finish is
firm and tangy, with very good length and lingering spiciness. Shows surprising vivacity and delicacy for
a wine from this vintage.
90
2009 ADEA Wine Company Pinot Noir Hawks View Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($45) Bright ruby-red. Lively red berry and Asian spice aromas are deepened by notes of cola and anise.
Taut and linear on entry, then fleshier in the mid-palate, offering fresh raspberry and bitter cherry
flavors and a touch of succulent herbs. Shows a lot of energy for an '09, finishing on a note of tangy
berry skin, with lingering spiciness.
90
2008 ADEA Wine Company Pinot Noir Ann Sigrid Willamette Valley
($35) Vivid red. Ripe red fruit and floral scents are lifted by notes of white pepper and allspice. Smooth
and expansive on the palate, offering sweet blackberry and cherry-cola flavors and a touch of anise.
Vanilla and smoky herb nuances build with air and carry through a long, gently tannic finish.
90
2010 ADEA Wine Company Pinot Noir Cherry Grove Vineyard Willamette Valley
($45) Bright red. Fresh cherry and dark berry aromas are complicated by notes of cola and smoky Indian
spices. Chewy and precise on the palate, offering bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors and an
invigorating note of peppery spices. Closes sappy and long, with a hint of bitter chocolate and youthful
tannic grip.
90
2010 ADEA Wine Company Pinot Noir Durant Vineyard Dundee Hills
($45) Vivid red. Fresh red berry and spicecake aromas are given depth by notes of cola and vanilla. Silky
and precise, with good cut to its tangy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors. A smoky quality emerges
with air and carries through a gently tannic and focused finish. I like this wine's tension. 90
2010 Rocky Point Cellars Pinot Noir Le Cadeau Vineyard-Lot 50 Willamette Valley
($55) Bright ruby-red. Sexy aromas of blackberry and cola, with a hint of spicecake gaining strength with
air. Juicy, penetrating and appealingly sweet red and dark berry flavors show very good depth and an
exotic floral nuance. Closes on a sweet note, with lingering vanilla and cola qualities and nicely buffered
tannins. This vineyard actually sits within the Chehalem Mountains AVA but this fact isn't indicated on
the front label. 90
2011 Luminous Hills Pinot Noir Estate Grown Yamhill-Carlton District
($35) Bright red. Lively raspberry and blood orange aromas are complemented by licorice and black tea.
Silky in texture, with sharply focused red fruit flavors showing a refreshingly bitter quality and becoming
sweeter with air. Lithe and precise on the persistent finish, which features fine-grained tannins and a
hint of candied rose. 90
2010 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Carter Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($50) Bright ruby-red. Displays scents of dried cherry, musky underbrush, woodsmoke and licorice, with
a floral nuance adding vivacity. Chewy, deeply pitched bitter cherry and blackberry flavors are firmed by
juicy acidity and become sweeter with air. Slow to unfold but has good depth. Finishes on a chewy
note, with resonating spiciness and mounting tannins. 90(+?)
2011 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Casteel Reserve Eola Amity Hills
($60) Bright ruby-red. Pungent cherry pit and blackberry aromas are lifted by notes of allspice, fresh
flowers and smoky minerals. Shows good clarity and a tangy edge to its dark fruit flavors. Becomes
spicier with air and finishes focused, juicy and long, with sneaky tannins adding grip.
90
2011 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Zena Crown Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($60) Vivid ruby-red. Dark berries and cherry pit on the fragrant nose. Sappy and nicely focused,
offering bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors, with a touch of orange zest lending a tangy edge.
Closes smooth and gently sweet, with very good clarity and fine-grained tannins.90
2011 Ayres Vineyard Pinot Noir Pioneer Ribbon Ridge
($44) Bright red. Intense red and dark berry scents are complicated by notes of potpourri and
sandalwood. Smooth and open-knit, offering vibrant black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint
of white pepper. A bitter orange zest note adds a gripping sensation to the finish, which hangs on with
very good tenacity and only a hint of tannins. 90
Priced from: 43.03
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2011 Johan Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Willamette Valley
($28) Deep red. Spice-accented aromas of raspberry, cherry-cola and fresh flowers, with a subtle smoky
topnote. Juicy, energetic red fruit flavors show impressive clarity and pick up a rose pastille quality with
air. Nicely concentrated for the vintage, with strong finishing cut, sneaky tannins and resonating
spiciness.
90
2011 Winderlea Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir Meredith Mitchell McMinnville
($48) Bright ruby-red. Pungent redcurrant and cherry on the nose, with a floral quality adding
complexity. Firm, vibrant cherry and rose pastille flavors show good depth, with juicy acidity adding cut.
Aeration brings out deeper blackberry and licorice nuances, which linger on the persistent, gently tannic
finish. 90
2011 Winderlea Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir Murto Vineyard Dundee Hills
($48) (made from fruit picked at 22 degrees Brix): Brilliant red. Dark berry and cola aromas are lifted by
notes of white pepper and five-spice powder. Appealingly sweet and precise, offering vibrant black
raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of blood orange. Closes spicy and long, with slowbuilding tannins and sneaky smoke and floral notes.
90
2011 Winderlea Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir Winderlea Estate Reserve Dundee Hills
($54) Light, bright red. Vibrant redcurrant and strawberry aromas show very good clarity and pick up a
spicy nuance with air. Brisk, mineral-accented red fruit flavors are braced by zesty minerality. Finishes
tangy and quite long, with resonating allspice and floral qualities. This elegant pinot shows well now but
it possesses the depth and balance to age over the medium term.
90
2011 Carlton Cellars Pinot Noir Road's End Yamhill-Carlton
($45) Vivid red. Oak-spiced aromas of raspberry, dried cherry and potpourri, with a hint of cola in the
background. Juicy and precise, with appealingly sweet red fruit flavors and a deeper mocha quality in
the background. Closes smooth and long, with slow-building tannins and an invigorating zip of orange
zest. This is a selection of 12 barrels from Carlton Cellars' estate vineyard; that's the proper spelling on
the label, too. 90
2009 Youngberg Hill Vineyards Pinot Noir Natasha McMinnville
($40) (made from a blend of Pommard and Wadenswil clones and all dry-farmed): Bright ruby-red. Sexy
dark berry and floral aromas are complemented by notes of mocha and anise. Supple and broad on
entry, then livelier in the middle, offering sappy black raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a zesty
spicy nuance. Shows a dark fruit character, in the style of the vintage, but there's good vivacity here as
well. Finishes spicy and long, with supple tannins and a hint of woodsmoke.
90
2010 Ayoub Pinot Noir Murto Vineyard Dundee Hills
($55) Ruby-red. Musky cherry pit and blackberry scents are complemented by notes of succulent herbs
and rose oil. Ripe but energetic on the palate, offering chewy, smoke- and spice-accented dark fruit
flavors and a hint of licorice. Shows a touch of tangy citrus pith on a persistent finish that leaves notes
of bitter cherry and spicecake behind. 90
2011 White Rose Wines Pinot Noir Luciole Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($55) Full red. Sexy spicy, floral aromas of raspberry preserves, cola and anise. Shows good energy and
a refreshing bitterness to its pliant cherry and red berry flavors, picking up a smoky nuance with air.
Finishes smooth, spicy and long, with soft tannins and an echo of cola. 90
2011 White Rose Wines Pinot Noir Guillen Vineyard Dundee Hills
($60) Brilliant red. Sexy aromas of raspberry, Asian spices and potpourri, along with a deeper cola
nuance. Penetrating and pure, offering vibrant red fruit and spicecake flavors and a hint of candied
flowers. In a racy, elegant style, finishing with strong cut and lingering spiciness. 90
2011 Erath Vineyards Pinot Noir Hyland McMinnville
($50) Vivid red. Aromas and flavors of candied red berries, cola, allspice and smoky herbs. Tangy and
precise, with chewy texture and good focus and spicy lift. Closes on a spicy note, with very good clarity,
gripping tannins and a lingering note of bitter cherry. 90
2011 Solena Estate Pinot Noir Hyland Vineyard McMinnville
($50) Vivid ruby-red. Pungent smoke- and spice-accented aromas of raspberry and cherry pit. Lively
and precise on the palate, offering sharply focused red fruit and cola flavors and a hint of musky herbs.
A vanilla nuance adds sweetness to the finish, which clings with very good spicy intensity.
90
2010 Solena Estate Pinot Noir Willakia Vineyard Eola Amity Hills
($40) Bright ruby-red. Smoky, oak-spiced aromas of blackberry and cherry preserves, with a peppery
quality adding lift. Smooth and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering gently sweet
dark berry flavors and a touch of vanilla. Closes smooth and long, with solid punch and smooth, even
tannins that add shape. 90
2010 Harper Voit Pinot Noir Strandline Willamette Valley
($35) Ruby-red. Pungent cherry and black raspberry aromas are complicated by notes of sassafras, anise
and mocha. Fleshy but lively on the palate, offering sweet red and dark berry flavors, a hint of bitter
chocolate and a velvety texture. Closes with appealing sweetness and very good, subtly tannic grip.
90
2011 Durant Vineyards Pinot Noir La Casita Vineyard Whole Berry Dundee Hills
($50) Bright red. Exotic, high-pitched aromas of candied red fruits, Asian spices and potpourri. Juicy and
incisive on the palate, offering gently sweet raspberry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors and a hint of
white pepper. Finishes tangy and long, with resonating spiciness and easy, harmonious tannins. Shows
more depth and sweetness of fruit than its Whole Cluster sibling right now.
90
2011 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Symonette Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills
($65) Ruby-red. Cherry, Moroccan spices and fresh flowers on the perfumed nose. Sweet and sappy on
the palate, offering an array of red and dark fruit qualities firmed by a bitter cherry pit nuance. Shows
very good power and focus on the finish, which features firm but fine-grained tannins and suave,
perfumed persistence. 90
2011 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Amelia Rose Cuvee Rogue Valley
($45) Deep red. Smoky cherry and black raspberry aromas are lifted by notes of white pepper and fresh
rose. Juicy, focused and appealingly sweet, offering fresh red and dark berry flavors and a hint of
candied orange peel. Closes on a refreshingly bitter note, with very good focus and vivacity, and silky,
harmonious tannins. 90
2010 Bryn Mawr Vineyards Pinot Noir Krista's Block Eola-Amity Hills
($32) Bright red. A seductively perfumed bouquet evokes red and dark berries, orange pith, Asian spices
and incense. Zesty red fruit and floral pastille flavors show a suave blend of power and finesse, with no
rough edges. Nervy and precise on the finish, with lasting notes of sweet rose and red berry.
90
2011 Bergstrom Wines Pinot Noir Cumberland Reserve Willamette Valley
($42) Bright red. Aromas of raspberry and fresh flowers, with a spicy overtone. Supple and smooth in
texture, offering sweet red fruit flavors that show a slight jamminess. Finishes with good breadth and
cling,with lingering sweetness and no obvious tannins. 89
Priced from: 35.98
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2011 Amity Vineyards Pinot Noir Amity Estate Vineyard Willamette Valley
($40) Bright red. Fresh raspberry and cherry on the perfumed nose, with notes of smoked meat and
candied rose adding complexity. Light in body and appealingly sweet, offering sappy red fruit flavors
and a hint of bitter chocolate. Fine-grained tannins give grip to the clinging, spicy finish. 89
2010 Methven Family Vineyards Pinot Noir House Block Eola Amity Hills
($38) Bright ruby-red. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of black raspberry and cola, with a floral nuance building
in the glass. Juicy and tightly focused on entry, then fleshier in the mid-palate, offering lively cherry-cola
and rose pastille flavors and a hint of bitter chocolate. Dusty tannins give a slight hardness to the finish,
which clings with good tenacity and spiciness. 89
2010 Raptor Ridge Winery Pinot Noir Gran Moraine Vineyard McMinnville
($38) Bright red. A highly fragrant bouquet evokes dark berries, Asian spices, musky underbrush and
fresh rose, with a subtle meaty element in the background. Chewy, sweet and penetrating in the
mouth, offering juicy black raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of palate-numbing pepperiness.
The meaty note comes back on the finish, which features soft tannins and a kick of medicinal cherry.
89
2011 Montinore Estate Pinot Noir Montinore Estate Reserve Willamette Valley
($30) Light red. Lively cherry and candied rose aromas are complemented by licorice and mocha. Juicy
and precise, offering tangy red fruit flavors and a touch of bitter chocolate. A blood orange nuance adds
lift to the finish, which lingers with good authority and a fine dusting of tannins. 89
2011 Dominio IV Pinot Noir Mid-day Stars Dundee Hills
($34) Vivid red. Cherry and dark berries on the perfumed nose. Supple and open-knit, with good depth
to its blackberry and cherry-cola flavors. Shows a touch of bitter chocolate on the finish, which is
formed by supple, fine-grained tannins. 89
2011 Lemelson Vineyards Pinot Noir Thea's Selection Willamette Valley
($30) Dark red. Expressive aromas of strawberry, bitter cherry, Asian spices and underbrush, with a
floral nuance adding lift. Sweet and substantial for the vintage, but with good energy to its fresh
strawberry and raspberry fruit. Finishes with good precision and length, the floral note repeating.
89
2011 Van Duzer Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Willamette Valley
($32) Deep, bright red. Expressive, spice-accented scents of ripe cherry, raspberry liqueur and fresh
flowers. On the palate, juicy red berry and perfumed rose pastille flavors are accented by licorice and
white pepper. Finishes on a tangy red fruit note, with fine-grained tannins and good persistence.
89
2011 Walter Scott Wines Pinot Noir La Combe Verte Willamette Valley
($23) Bright ruby-red. Nicely perfumed nose displays scents of strawberry, raspberry and Asian spices.
Fresh and sharply focused, with a silky texture to its lively red fruit and spicecake flavors. Fine-grained
tannins provide shape and focus to the tangy finish. This elegant pinot showcases the nervy character of
this vintage.
89
2009 ADEA Wine Company Pinot Noir Dean-O's Willamette Valley
($35) Light red. Red berries, cherry-cola and pungent flowers on the nose. Lush, open-knit raspberry
and vanilla flavors become livelier with air, picking up notes of candied lavender and mocha. Silky and
seamless in texture, finishing with a slightly tart edge and a sneaky note of licorice.
89
2011 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Estate Eola-Amity Hills
($32) Deep red. Pungent aromas of cherry-cola, sassafras and mocha, with a peppery topnote. Offers
tangy dark fruit flavors and hints of rose pastille and anise, along with a jolt of white pepper for finishing
cut. Quite lovely right now, with no rough edges to get in the way of the wine's fruity appeal. This is a
real success for an entry-level bottling from 2011.
89
2011 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($40) Vivid red. Cherry, bitter chocolate and subtle floral and smoky nuances on the nose. Supple,
gently sweet dark berry flavors become more tangy with air and pick up a peppery nuance. Shows good
weight and power for an entry-level wine from the vintage, finishing smooth and subtly smoky, with a
lingering note of bitter cherry. 89
Priced from: 34.95
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2011 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($45) Deep red. Musky aromas of dark berries, cherry compote and sassafras, with a subtle mocha
nuance in the background. Smooth and open-knit, showing good heft for the vintage. Sappy blackberry
and bitter cherry flavors display good energy and carry through a smoky, nicely persistent finish. 89
2011 Ayres Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($25) Vivid red. Aromas of fresh strawberry and pomegranate are given depth by subtle cola and violet
nuances. Sappy and energetic, offering juicy red fruit preserve flavors that become more tangy with air.
Closes on a spicy note, with clarity and length. Shows the freshness of the vintage to good effect.
89
Priced from: 26.01
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2011 Winderlea Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir Crawford Beck Eola-Amity Hills
($48) Dark red. Spicy raspberry and cherry on the nose, with smoky minerals adding vibrancy. Brisk red
fruit flavors show good clarity and appealing sweetness, with a kick of tangy acidity adding bite. Finishes
on a bitter cherry note, with lingering spiciness and soft tannins. 89
2011 Winderlea Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Vineyards Dundee Hills
($38) Bright red. Perfumed nose features fresh raspberry and candied cherry scents accented by fresh
flowers and musky herbs. Refreshingly tangy red berry flavors show good depth, as well as a hint of
warmth on the back half. Supple and open-knit, finishing with subtle oak spices and mounting
sweetness.
89
2011 The Four Graces Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton
($45) Bright ruby-red. Fresh blackberry and cherry on the fragrant, spice-accented nose. Offers pliant
dark berry flavors that are lifted and braced by tangy acidity and a peppery nuance. Closes with good
clarity, silky tannins and a hint of candied dark fruits. 89
Priced from: 19.96
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2011 Alloro Vineyard Pinot Noir Estate Chehalem Mountains
($35) Dark red. Black raspberry and incense on the fragrant nose. Juicy and seamless in texture, with
good energy to its red and dark berry flavors. Closes on a spicy note, with gentle acidity sharpening the
plump, lingering fruit. In a fairly buxom style for the vintage and slightly reminiscent of many 2009s, in
fact. 89
2011 Chehalem Pinot Noir Ridgecrest Vineyards Ribbon Ridge
($50) Bright red. Fresh red fruit and floral pastille aromas are lifted by a zesty note of orange pith and
show very good clarity. Clean and precise, offering bitter cherry and mocha flavors sharpened by tangy
acidity. In a nervy, brisk style, with a firm finishing bite shaped by smooth, even tannins. This elegant
pinot checks in at 12.5% alcohol.
89
2011 Purple Hands Wine Pinot Noir Holstein Vineyards Dundee Hills
($35) Pale red. High-pitched redcurrant and strawberry aromas are complemented by notes of
potpourri and white pepper. Silky and light on its feet, offering tangy red fruit and rose pastille flavors
and a lower-toned note of cola. Lithe and precise pinot with good finishing cut, lift and spicy
persistence.
89
2009 Youngberg Hill Vineyards Pinot Noir Jordan Block McMinnville
($40) Bright red. Ripe cherry and blackberry aromas, along with notes of cola and licorice. Fleshy and
open-knit, displaying good heft to its dark berry and cola flavors. A peppery nuance adds lift and cut to
the finish, which lingers with good persistence and gentle, slow-building sweetness.
89
2010 Aramenta Cellars Pinot Noir Reserve Ribbon Ridge
($48) Bright ruby-red. Cherry, blackberry and smoked meat on the pungent nose. Chewy but
surprisingly light on its feet, offering sweet dark berry flavors and a hint of mocha. Closes with good
breadth and cling, leaving a spicy note behind. 89
2011 Lange Winery Pinot Noir Reserve Willamette Valley
($32) Bright red. High-pitched aromas of candied red fruits, potpourri and spicecake. Tightly focused
redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors give way to sweeter, darker fruits in the mid-palate, which shows a
faintly medicinal quality. Closes sappy and precise, with sneaky tannins and a lingering cherry pit
quality. 89
2011 Colene Clemens Vineyards Pinot Noir Margo Chehalem Mountains
($30) Vivid red. High-pitched red berry and floral aromas are complicated by notes of Asian spices and
cola. Fresh and precise, with good lift to its gently sweet raspberry and rose pastille flavors. Shows
good energy on the finish, which leaves spicecake and red berry notes behind. 89
2011 Erath Vineyards Pinot Noir Leland Willamette Valley
($50) Deep red. Fragrant, high-pitched red berry and spicecake aromas show good clarity and a hint of
vanilla. Juicy and precise, with brisk raspberry and bitter cherry flavors. Closes with subtle sweetness, a
touch of mocha and supple tannins for grip.
89
2011 Erath Vineyards Pinot Noir Niederberger Vineyard Dundee Hills
($50) Vivid ruby-red. Red berry compote and cherry pit on the pungent, smoke-accented nose. Taut,
refreshingly bitter dark fruit flavors gain sweetness with air and pick up a note of bitter chocolate.
Closes with good breadth and length, with dusty tannins adding shape to lingering blackberry and cola
flavors. 89
2011 Erath Vineyards Pinot Noir Battle Creek Vineyard Willamette Valley
($50) Vivid red. High-pitched aromas of cherry, sassafras and fresh flowers, with vanilla and mocha
undertones. Flavors of dark berries and smoky minerals give off good energy and pick up sweetness
with air. Has the nerviness of the vintage but doesn't come off shrill. Taut and focused on a lasting
finish that has gentle tannic grip.
89
2011 Coelho Winery Pinot Noir Paciencia Estate Willamette Valley
($45) Bright red. High-pitched aromas of strawberry, blood orange and white pepper, with a musky
rhubarb nuance coming up with air. Lively and sharply focused, offering spicy red fruit flavors and a hint
of bitter chocolate. Racy and clean on the finish, which shows no obvious tannins and a zesty orange
pith quality.
89
Priced from: 45.04
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2011 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Patricia's Cuvee Willamette Valley
($55) Bright ruby. Oak-spice- and floral-accented aromas of dark berries and licorice show very good
energy and focus. Juicy, penetrating black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors become sweeter with air
and are braced by tangy acidity. A hint of tart berry skin adds grip and cut to the clinging finish. 89
2011 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Meyer Vineyard Dundee Hills
($65) Bright ruby-red. Ripe cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by notes of cola,
allspice and woodsmoke. Smooth and expansive on the palate, offering sweet red and dark berry
preserve flavors and a hint of bitter chocolate. Closes on a tangy note, with good focus, lift and lingering
spiciness.
89
2011 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Griffin's Cuvee Willamette Valley
($45) Bright ruby-red. High-pitched, vaguely jammy red berries and subtle oak spice on the nose. Plump
strawberry and black raspberry flavors are lifted and braced by tangy acidity, which lends a
mouthwatering quality. Lively and emphatically fruity pinot, finishing with good balance, juicy acidity
and very soft tannins. 89
2010 Bryn Mawr Vineyards Pinot Noir Jeffrey's Block Eola-Amity Hills
($32) Light, bright red. Bright, spicy redcurrant and strawberry aromas are complicated by notes of
white pepper and allspice. Sharply focused, refreshingly tangy red berry and cherry flavors possess good
concentration and show a light touch. Very pinot, finishing bright and racy, with good cut.
89
2010 Vista Hills Pinot Noir Skyraider Reserve Willamette Valley
($60) Light red. Fresh raspberry and cherry aromas show good clarity, with Asian spice and floral notes
adding complexity. Lively and sharply focused, offering tangy red berry and bitter cherry flavors and a
touch of bitter orange pith. Closes on a note of zesty red fruit and lingers with good spicy persistence.
89
2011 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($28) (12.3% alcohol): Bright red. Raspberry, candied flowers, cola and blood orange on the perfumed
nose. Silky and open-knit, offering sweet red fruit flavors and a touch of allspice emerging with
aeration. Refreshingly taut and focused on the finish, which shows just a hint of dusty tannins. 89
2011 Seven of Hearts Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($20) Light, bright red. Sexy red berry and floral aromas are enlivened by notes of cinnamon and white
pepper. Incisive and clean on the palate, offering light-bodied strawberry and bitter cherry flavors and a
hint of orange zest. Shows good energy on the finish, leaving spice and tangy red fruit notes behind.
89
2011 Seven of Hearts Pinot Noir Lia's Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($35) Vivid red. Highly perfumed scents of strawberry, blood orange and Asian spices. Lithe, sharply
focused red fruit flavors are complicated by notes of star anise and cola, with a hint of white pepper
adding bite to the nervy finish. Appealing for its vivacity and balance but not a pinot for those who prize
power and richness.
89
2011 Seven of Hearts Pinot Noir Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge
($35) Light, bright red. Lively, sharply focused red berry and floral scents are complemented by a subtle
note of dried herbs. Shows a lithe, energetic character, with good clarity to its bitter cherry and
redcurrant flavors. Closes on a tangy note, with very good cut and length. Nicely focused and racy, with
a distinctly light touch 89
2011 Cornerstone Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($50) Bright ruby-red. A highly perfumed bouquet displays scents of candied red fruits, vanilla and Asian
spices. Offers gently sweet raspberry and cherry flavors and a bracing touch of bitter orange zest.
Closes with good cut and grip, leaving a peppery note behind. 89
2011 Foris Vineyards Winery Pinot Noir Rogue Valley
($20) Bright red. Lively red berry and floral aromas are deepened by notes of cola and licorice. Smooth
and supple on the palate, offering sweet raspberry and cherry flavors and a hint of white pepper. Closes
with good tangy lift and cut, with no obvious tannins and good, spicy persistence.
89
Priced from: 19.99
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2011 Roco Wines Pinot Noir Clawson Creek Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton
($50) Vivid red. Fresh raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by candied rose, vanilla and cola
and lifted by a spicy overtone. Tangy, focused and pure, with energy to its sweet red fruit flavors. A hint
of orange zest adds bite and fine-grained tannins lend shape to the smooth, clinging, vanilla-tinged
finish. Drinks very easily now, especially after a little aeration. 89
2011 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Boulder Bluff Vineyard Chehalem Mountains
($68) Vivid red. Smoky cherry and blackberry aromas are brightened by suggestions of fresh rose and
pomegranate. Offers zesty red and dark berry flavors that gain weight and a musky, earthy nuance with
air. Sweeter on the finish, which clings with very good tenacity and a touch of dusty tannins.
89
2011 Torii Mor Winery Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Select Dundee Hills
($45) Bright ruby-red. Aromas of red and dark berry preserves, cola, incense and smoky Indian spices.
Sweet and expansive in the mouth, with raspberry and cherry-cola flavors given lift and cut by juicy
acidity. Shows energetic, youthfully crunchy dark fruit character on the clinging finish, which is firmed
by dusty, gripping tannins tannins. (The 2010 version of this wine has gained intensity and sweetness
since I tasted it last year, when I underestimated it by scoring it 89 points; it merits a solid 91 based on
the bottle I tried in late June.) 89
2010 Torii Mor Winery Pinot Noir Deux Verres Reserve Willamette Valley
($38) Vibrant ruby-red. Spice- and earth-accented aromas of dried cherry, with a smoky nuance in the
background. Taut and focused on entry, then fleshier in the mid-palate, offering bitter cherry and
allspice flavors and a touch of cracked pepper. Refreshingly brisk on the penetrating finish, which is
firmed by fine-grained, harmonious tannins.
89
2011 Cristom Vineyards Pinot Noir Mount Jefferson Cuvee Willamette Valley
($30) Dark red. Cherry and dark berries on the perfumed, spice-accented nose. Pliant and tangy,
offering flavors of bitter cherry, black raspberry and cinnamon and a deeper cola nuance. Closes juicy
and precise, with fine-grained tannins adding grip. Very successful for an entry-level wine in this
vintage.89
2010 Anne Amie Vineyards Pinot Noir Winemaker's Selection Willamette Valley
($35) Bright ruby-red. High-pitched red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by notes of white
pepper and rose oil. Focused black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are supported and lifted by tangy
acidity. Closes on a spicy note, with good cut and subtle tannic grip.
89
2010 Anne Amie Vineyards Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($50) Vivid red. Spicy red berry and cherry aromas are lifted by a zesty note of candied orange peel.
Spicy and incisive on the palate, with good energy to its raspberry and bitter cherry flavors. The smooth,
fruity finish leaves notes of red fruit preserves behind. 89
2011 Trisaetum Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge Estate Ribbon Ridge
($55) Bright ruby-red. Pungent smoke- and spice-accented aromas of dark berries and cherry, with a
hint of candied flowers in the background. Shows very good clarity and lift to its bitter cherry and black
raspberry flavors and picks up a bitter orange pith nuance with air. Finishes sweet, gripping and
persistent.
89
2011 Folin Pinot Noir Hayward Utopia Vineyard Ribbon Ridge
($45) Vivid red. Spicy red and dark berry aromas are given depth by notes of cola and licorice. Sappy
black raspberry and rose pastille flavors show good heft for the vintage (the label declares 13.7%
alcohol, by the way), with good finishing power and gentle tannic grip. 89
2011 Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir Estate Grown Willamette Valley
($38) Bright red. Fresh red berries, pomegranate and rhubarb on the spicy nose. Tangy and precise in
the style of the vintage, with a silky texture to its lively strawberry and floral pastille flavors. Closes taut
and clean, with sneaky sweetness and no obvious tannins.
89
2011 Aberrant Cellars Pinot Noir Confero Willamette Valley
($38) Dark red. Pungent, smoke- and spice-accented aromas of cherry and dark berries. Offers plump,
juicy red and dark berry flavors and complicating notes of bitter chocolate and candied flowers. Shows a
slightly tart edge on the finish, which features supple tannins and a hint of bitter cherry. 89
2010 A Blooming Hill Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains
($25) Bright ruby-red. Spice-accented blackberry, cherry, anise and lavender on the nose. Sweet and
plump, with juicy cherry and dark berry flavors lifted by tangy acidity. Finishes on a lively, refreshingly
bitter berry skin note, with supple tannins coming on late.
89
2011 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Reserve Willamette Valley
($25) Vivid red. Scents of fresh raspberry, cherry and sassafras, along with a bright note of orange zest.
Lively red berry flavors are braced by tangy acidity, with a deeper cola quality emerging with air.
Energetic and taut in the style of the vintage, finishing with good clarity, soft tannins and lingering berry
skin notes.
89
Priced from: 27.99
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2010 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard Willamette Valley
($30) Light, bright red. Displays aromas of fresh red berries, pungent herbs and dried rose, with a
mineral nuance adding lift. Tangy, focused and refreshingly brisk strawberry and rhubarb flavors show a
bitter rhubarb quality and a hint of white pepper. Becomes sweeter with air and picks up a darker berry
nuance that lingers on a smooth, focused finish. 89
2011 Broadley Vineyards Pinot Noir Sundance Reserve Willamette Valley
($25) Ruby-red. Dark berries and pungent herbs on the nose, with a suave floral pastille quality in the
background. Dry and tightly wound on entry, offering juicy black raspberry and cherry flavors that gain
weight with air. Shows good balance and focus; the brisk, spice-accented finish shows a sneaky
sweetness and good length.
89
2011 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir Mount Richmond Willamette Valley
($48) Dark red. Displays aromas of black raspberry, mocha, anise and smoky herbs. Gently sweet,
round and smooth in texture, with plump dark fruit flavors brightened by harmonious acidity. Finishes
supple and persistent, with good sweetness and cling. 89
Priced from: 39.99
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2011 Andrew Rich Wines Pinot Noir Prelude Willamette Valley
($22) Bright red. Fresh raspberry and floral aromas are lifted and sharpened by a hint of white pepper.
Tangy and precise, with very good cut to its red fruit flavors. Becomes sweeter with air but retains it
vibrancy, finishing on a refreshingly bitter note, with silky tannins.
88
2011 Broadley Vineyards Pinot Noir Reserve Willamette Valley
($38) Vivid ruby-red. A highly perfumed bouquet displays fresh red berries, five-spice powder and
orange peel. Nervy, sharply focused raspberry and bitter cherry flavors pick up a smoky quality with air,
along with a touch of bitter chocolate. Taut but not hard-edged; still, no easy sweetness here. Closes
with good cut and length, leaving a subtle floral note behind. 88
2010 Siltstone Pinot Noir Guadalupe Vineyard Willamette Valley
($30) Dark red. Musky blackberry and cherry on the nose, plus a hint of candied flowers. Soft, slightly
loose-knit dark fruit flavors provide good palate coverage and show solid depth. Finishes supple and
round, with lingering sweetness and easygoing tannins. This pinot acts more like a 2009 right now and
has the heft to work with full-flavored foods. 88
2011 Raptor Ridge Winery Pinot Noir Estate Chehalem Mountains
($45) Bright red. Aromas and flavors of raspberry and candied rose, with a white pepper note adding
lift. Juicy and taut, finishing with good back-end lift and a subtle spicecake quality.
88
2010 Utopia Pinot Noir Estate Ribbon Ridge
($38) Bright red. Spicy raspberry and redcurrant on the nose, with a touch of candied rose in the
background. Juicy, focused and energetic, showing a light touch to its refreshingly bitter red fruit
flavors. The zesty, raspberry-tinged finish repeats the bitter note and lingers with good clarity. 88
2011 Dominio IV Pinot Noir Vitae Springs Vineyard Mulberry Street Willamette Valley
($30) Light, bright red. Redcurrant, cherry pit and fresh herbs on the perfumed nose. Taut and linear in
the palate, offering zesty red fruit flavors and a touch of bitter orange pith. Shows good energy on the
finish, which leaves peppery red berry and cinnamon notes behind.
88
2011 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($35) Light, bright red. Reticent aromas of redcurrant and strawberry, with a peppery nuance building
with air. Tangy, sharply focused red berry flavors show good energy and lift, with a slight bitterness on
the back half. Finishes with good cut and a slightly tart edge, with soft tannins adding shape.
88
Priced from: 27.99
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2010 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Dundee Hills
($38) Bright red. Pungent aromas of cherry pit, dried flowers and underbrush, with a smoky topnote.
Bitter cherry and succulent herb flavors pick up spiciness with air and maintain good focus. Finishes
clean and brisk, with good length and supple tannins. This pinot is drinking well now. 88
2011 Jovino Pinot Noir Oregon
($19) Pale red. Jammy red fruits on the nose, with a hint of white pepper adding lift. Silky and
appealingly sweet, offering straightforward raspberry and cherry compote flavors sharpened by a spicy
nuance. Shows good energy and freshness on the finish, which is clean, brisk and seemingly tannin-free.
This pinot is extremely easy to drink. 88
2011 WildAire Cellars Pinot Noir Timothy Willamette Valley
($23) Bright red. Fresh red berries and rose on the fragrant, spice-accented nose. Juicy and sharply
defined on the palate, offering intense raspberry and floral pastille flavors and a hint of bitter herbs.
Closes on a tangy note, with good spicy lift and silky tannins adding shape. A pretty classic rendition of
the vintage and very easy to drink; it's also a real value by Willamette Valley standards. 88
2008 Oak Knoll Winery Pinot Noir Red Hill Vineyard
($24) Light red. Musky aromas of cherry and dark berries, with notes of smoked meat, black tea and
dried rose adding complexity. Light-bodied and smoky on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry and
bitter cherry flavors and a hint of cracked pepper. Finishes on a spicy note, with good energy and
smooth, even tannins. 88
2011 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($28) Bright red. A sexy, perfumed bouquet exudes fresh red berries, potpourri and musky herbs.
Sweet and supple on entry, then more tangy in the mid-palate, offering taut raspberry and bitter cherry
flavors and a hint of orange pith. Refreshingly bitter on the nervy finish, which shows no obvious
tannins and an aftertaste of blood orange.
88
2011 Iota Cellars Pinot Noir Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity HIlls
($38) Bright red. Fresh raspberry and cherry-cola on the nose, with complicating notes of dark chocolate
and vanilla. Sappy and tightly focused on entry, then fleshier in the mid-palate, offering gently sweet
red fruit flavors and a hint of singed plum. Finishes on a slightly loose note, with good cling and soft,
harmonious tannins. 88
2011 Winderlea Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir Juliard Vineyard Dundee Hills
($48) Vivid red. Musky cherry and dark berry scents are complemented by sassafras, black tea and dried
rose. Shows good energy to its tangy red fruit flavors, which take a jammy turn with air. Nicely fruity
but on the simple side, finishing with good cling and length.
88
2011 The Four Graces Pinot Noir Dundee Hills
($45) Light, bright red. Red berry and fresh rose aromas are perked up by a note of white pepper.
Tangy and precise, offering dusty red fruit flavors that show a refreshingly bitter quality. Closes taut and
linear, with subtle sweetness and no obvious tannins. 88
Priced from: 22
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2011 Chehalem Pinot Noir 3 Vineyard Willamette Valley
($29) Dark red. Aromas of blackberry, vanilla and fresh rose, with a peppery overtone. Smooth and
refreshingly tangy, with fresh dark berry and bitter cherry flavors complemented by subtle oak and
mineral notes. Finishes smooth and sweet if a bit clipped, repeating the dark fruit note. 88
2010 Chehalem Pinot Noir 3 Vineyard Willamette Valley
($29) Light, bright red. Aromas of redcurrant, strawberry and fresh rose, with a hint of orange zest in
the background. Taut and precise, with good clarity and lift to its fresh red fruit flavors. Finishes on a
tangy note, with a hint of bitter cherry and dusty tannins. Refreshing and very approachable in the
context of the vintage. 88
Priced from: 23.95
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2010 Boedecker Cellars Pinot Noir Stewart Vineyard Willamette Valley
($34) Full red. Musky red fruit and herb aromas are complicated by notes of mocha and anise. Smooth
and open-knit, with good heft to its raspberry and bitter cherry flavors. Finishes with gentle sweetness
and good cling, leaving a note of dark chocolate behind. 88
2010 Boedecker Cellars Pinot Noir Athena Vineyard Willamette Valley
($34) Bright red. Musky redcurrant and cherry pit aromas are complicated by notes of dried herbs and
loamy earth. Sappy and refreshingly bitter, offering taut red fruit flavors that gain sweetness and flesh
with air. Supple and smoky on the long, fruit-driven finish.
88
2011 Carlton Cellars Pinot Noir Estate Yamhill Carlton District
($30) Bright red. Lively aromas of redcurrant, cherry, mint and rose, with a deeper mocha quality
coming up with air. Offers bitter cherry and red berry flavors and a touch of white pepper, which adds
back-end lift and cut. Dusty tannins build and carry through a tangy, nicely persistent finish that echoes
the peppery note.
88
2011 Purple Hands Wine Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Willamette Valley
($25) Brilliant red. Smoke- and spice-accented aromas of dried cherry and blackberry. Aeration brings
out a suggestion of orange zest, which adds bite to the light-bodied dark berry and bitter cherry flavors.
The smooth, gently sweet finish lingers with good spicy tenacity. 88
2011 Del Rio Vineyards Pinot Noir Rogue Valley
($20) Deep red. Pungent red fruit aromas show a slightly jammy character and pick up a note of white
pepper with air. Juicy and focused on the palate, which offers energetic raspberry and cherry-vanilla
flavors and a touch of bitter chocolate. Emphatically fruity on the finish, which is given shape and grip
by dusty tannins.
88
2010 Ayoub Pinot Noir Estate Dundee Hills
($50) Vivid ruby-red. Fresh red berries and cherry on the fragrant nose. Juicy and silky in texture, with
good clarity to its raspberry and cherry flavors. Distinctly fruity, with a jammy quality on the gently
tannic finish. Very approachable for its upfront fruit but perhaps some bottle age will confer more
complexity.
88(+?)
2011 Erath Vineyards Pinot Noir Prince Hill Dundee Hills
($50) Bright red. Lively red berry and pomegranate aromas are complemented by notes of white pepper
and rose oil. Tangy and precise on the palate, with good lift to its fresh strawberry and spicecake
flavors. Shows a slightly tart edge on the finish, which features soft tannins and a hint of vanilla.
88
2011 Harper Voit Pinot Noir Strandline Willamette Valley
($35) Bright red. Redcurrant and cherry aromas are sharpened by notes of blood orange and white
pepper. Tangy and precise on entry, then fleshier in the mid-palate, offering lively red berry flavors and
a hint of bitter herbs. Finishes zesty and dry, with a late note of raspberry and good tannic grip. 88
2011 Durant Vineyards Pinot Noir La Casita Vineyard Whole Berry Dundee Hills
($50) Light, bright red. High-pitched red berry and pomegranate aromas are complemented by notes of
rhubarb and white pepper. Shows a slightly tart edge to its juicy strawberry and spicecake flavors and
picks up a bitter cherry nuance with air. Closes on a tangy note, with good clarity and cut.
88
2011 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Grande Assemblage Cuvee Willamette Valley
($28) Bright red. Assertive aromas of red and dark berry preserves and cola, with a spicy quality gaining
strength with air. Fresh, juicy raspberry and blackberry flavors gain sweetness with aeration and pick up
a note of white pepper. A bit jammy but offers a lot of sweet fruit and finishes with good lift, clarity and
soft tannins. 88
2010 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Evenstad Reserve Willamette Valley
($65) Bright ruby. Red berries and cherry skin on the high-pitched nose. Tangy, oak-spiced cherry and
raspberry flavors have a slightly tart edge and pick up a smoky nuance with air. The finish shows gentle
sweetness and youthful tannins, along with notes of vanilla and mocha. 88
2011 Stangeland Winery Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($20) Vivid red. Fresh, vivid raspberry, flowers and Asian spices on the nose. Silky and focused in the
mouth, with a refreshingly bitter quality to its red berry and succulent herb flavors. Closes with soft
tannins and lingering notes of red fruits and anise.
88
2011 Anam Cara Cellars Pinot Noir Nicholas Estate Chehalem Mountains
($32) Pale red. Musky aromas of cherry skin, redcurrant, dried flowers and orange peel. Focused and
light-bodied, offering tangy red fruit flavors with gentle sweetness and spiciness. Shows good clarity on
a finish that features bitter cherry and white pepper. 88
2011 Anam Cara Cellars Pinot Noir Reserve Estate Chehalem Mountains
($45) Light red. High-pitched red berry and peppery spice scents are complicated by notes of orange
zest and musky herbs. Clean and precise, with a slightly bitter edge to its red fruit flavors. Closes on a
tangy note, with good length and lingering sweetness. 88
2010 Vista Hills Pinot Noir Treehouse Willamette Valley
($28) Bright red. Initially reduced nose opens slowly to display aromas of cherry pit, blackberry and
peppery spices. Chewy in texture and surprisingly lithe, offering tangy dark berry flavors and a hint of
bitter chocolate. Finishes with good energy and firming dusty tannins. 88
2011 Aubichon Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($35) Bright red. Subdued cherry and raspberry aromas slowly unfurl to display smoked meat, cola and
mocha qualities. Fresh red fruit flavors are focused and display a slightly tart edge. Picks up a bitter
cherry skin note on the finish, which is framed by smooth, even tannins. 88
2011 St. Innocent Winery Pinot Noir Villages Cuvee Willamette Valley
($24) Light, bright red. High-pitched redcurrant and strawberry aromas are complemented by deeper
notes of sassafras and licorice. Taut and focused on entry, then fleshier and sweeter in the mid-palate,
offering energetic red fruit flavors and hints of orange pith and white pepper. Closes with good lift and
cut, leaving a spicy note behind. 88
Priced from: 19.98
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2011 Jolete Wines Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($28) Light, bright red. Buoyant red berry and floral aromas show good clarity and a spicy nuance. Brisk,
focused and light on its feet, offering zesty redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of candied
rose. A blood orange note adds cut to the finish, which lingers with a slightly tart edge. This pinot is a
textbook example of the vintage and drinks very easily. 88
2011 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($32) Vivid red. High-pitched red berry and Asian spices aromas are complemented by notes of blood
orange and a deeper cherry pit quality. Fresh, penetrating and spicy, with a slightly tart edge to its
raspberry and bitter cherry flavors. Closes with good grip, focus and persistence, leaving a subtle herbal
note behind. 88
Priced from: 20.96
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2011 Torii Mor Winery Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($24) Light, bright red. Strawberry and redcurrant aromas are complicated by notes of rhubarb and
fresh rose. Silky and appealingly sweet, offering plump red berry flavors and a bright kick of white
pepper. Finishes clean and juicy, with good clarity and just a hint of dusty tannins.
88
2011 Archery Summit Winery Pinot Noir Premier Cuvee Willamette Valley
($54) Bright ruby. Dark berries and cola on the pungent, spice-accented nose. Smooth and open-knit,
with refreshingly piquant black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors. Finishes on a gently sweet note,
with a dusting of tannins adding a firm edge.
88
Priced from: 49.99
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2011 Apolloni Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Willamette Valley
($29) Pale red. Incisive scents of redcurrant, orange zest and white pepper. Firm and bracing on the
palate, offering juicy, sharply focused red berry and bitter cherry flavors. Nicely energetic and clean,
with zero fat and good finishing lift and length. 88
2011 Brick House Vineyards Pinot Noir Select Williamette Valley
($32) Bright red. Redcurrant, cherry and succulent herbs on the nose. A subtle floral quality emerges
with air and carries onto the palate, which displays juicy red fruit and bitter chocolate flavors. Nicely
firm, with good finishing grip and lingering bitterness. 88
2011 Brooks Wines Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($25) Vivid red. Fresh red berries, candied rose and Asian spices on the fragrant nose. Offers open-knit
raspberry and cherry flavors and a tangy note of orange zest to add back-end cut. Closes on a brisk
note, with good clarity and harmonious tannins. This fresh, incisive pinot will drink nicely when lightly
chilled. 88
2011 Dois Irmaos Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($40) Light, bright red. Dried cherry and redcurrant aromas are complemented by notes of underbrush
and orange zest. Light-bodied, tangy and focused, with good lift and a refreshingly bitter edge to its red
fruit flavors. Closes firm and spicy, with good cut and length. 88
2011 Rex Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($35) Deep red. Pungent aromas of dried cherry, rhubarb, licorice and musky underbrush. Supple dark
berry and bitter cherry flavors show good energy and pick up a peppery nuance with air. Chewy tannins
give grip to the firm finish, which shows good lift and persistence.
88
Priced from: 24.98
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2010 Tyee Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Estate Willamette Valley
($25) Vivid red. Spicy, high-pitched aromas of raspberry and fresh rose. Juicy, focused and light on its
feet, offering gently sweet red fruit flavors and a touch of bitter orange peel. Closes on a tangy note,
with firm grip and modest persistence. 87
2011 Broadley Vineyards Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($25) Dark red. Fragrances of red berries, fresh flowers and spicecake. Pliant and seamless on the
palate, offering sweet, appealingly plump raspberry and cherry flavors and a hint of bitter chocolate.
Shows good energy on the finish, which is firmed by supple, easygoing tannins. 87
2011 Raptor Ridge Winery Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($20) Bright red. Red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by notes of dried rose and musky
herbs. Silky and focused, with a refreshingly bitter edge to the tangy, red berry-dominated finish. What
this tangy wine lacks in sweetness it makes up for in incisive cut. Still, it will be a tough sell to those who
demand sweetness and fat in their pinot.
87
2011 Argyle Winery Pinot Noir Reserve Willamette Valley
($40) Very light, bright red. High-pitched red berry and rose scents and flavors, with a peppery nuance
coming out with air. Light-bodied, brisk and dry, with good finishing cut and tangy persistence. No fat
on these bones.
87
2011 Stoller Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Dundee Hills
($25) Light, bright red. Brisk red berry and pomegranate aromas are complemented by cola and licorice.
Juicy and focused, offering bitter cherry and cocoa powder flavors and a touch of orange pith that
lingers on a taut, nervy finish of modest persistence. Easy to drink and quite refreshing, in the style of
the vintage.
87
2011 Left Coast Cellars Pinot Noir Latitude 45 Willamette Valley
($35) Dark red. Pungent cherry and dark berry aromas show a faintly earthy quality and notes of
woodsmoke and cola. Fleshy and gently sweet, with decent depth to its black raspberry and spicecake
flavors. Closes on a spicy note, with good focus and length.
87
2011 Left Coast Cellars Pinot Noir Right Bank Willamette Valley
($35) Dark red. Cherry and blackberry on the pungent spice- and loamy earth-accented nose. Tangy
and sharply focused, offering light-bodied bitter cherry and cracked pepper flavors with a hint of
succulent herbs. Finishes clean and smooth, with decent length and no obvious tannins.
87
2011 Rock Point Pinot Noir Oregon
($17) Light red. Aromas of dried cherry, raspberry and musky underbrush, with a subtle floral topnote.
Smooth and open-knit, offering jammy red fruit flavors and good palate coverage. On the soft and
straightforward fruity side, finishing with good cling and a lingering hint of bitter chocolate.
87
2011 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Tavola Willamette Valley
($25) Bright ruby-red. Expressive aromas of strawberry, white pepper, pungent herbs and fresh flowers.
Silky, spicy, energetic and light-bodied, showing a silky texture to its flavors of redcurrant, strawberry
and bitter herbs. Finishes with dusty tannins and lingering notes of red berries and peppery spices. Try
this refreshingly brisk pinot lightly chilled.
87
Priced from: 19.96
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2011 Eminent Domaine Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge
($40) Bright red. Fresh raspberry and cola aromas are perked up by a peppery nuance. Smooth and
open-knit, with modestly concentrated red fruit flavors that pick up a bitter edge with air. Finishes on a
tangy note, with good cut and clarity. 87
2010 ADEA Wine Company Pinot Noir Dean-O's Willamette Valley
($35) Light red. Redcurrant, dried cherry and herbs on the somewhat shy nose. Light-bodied and dry,
with silky texture and red fruit flavors that gain sweetness with air. Closes with good cut, decent length
and a lingering bitter cherry note.
87
2011 The Four Graces Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton
($32) Bright red. Redcurrant, cherry pit and rhubarb on the pungent nose. Offers light-bodied, chewy
red berry and bitter cherry flavors that show a slightly clenched quality. Finishes with good tangy cut,
supple tannins and decent persistence. I'd have liked more flesh here but that could be said for most
wines from this challenging vintage.
87
Priced from: 19.96
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2011 Carlton Cellars Pinot Noir Seven Devils Willamette Valley
($20) Pale red. Perfume of strawberry, cherry pit and mint, with a pungent note of rhubarb emerging
with aeration. A supple, easygoing pinot that displays supple red fruit and spice flavors and a hint of
bitter herbs. Fruity and easy to drink, with good finishing cling. 87
2010 Carlton Cellars Pinot Noir Cape Lookout Yamhill-Carlton
($30) Deep red. Straightforward red berry aromas are given depth by a hint of mocha. Spicy and
focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry and redcurrant flavors and a touch of anise. Finishes on a
tangy note, with firm grip and cut.
87
2010 Twelve Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton District
($28) Light red. Spice- and herb-accented aromas of red berries, dried rose and white pepper. Lightbodied and supple in texture, with modestly concentrated but clean strawberry and cherry flavors that
become sweeter with air. In an easygoing, straightforward style, finishing with good punch and decent
length. 87
2010 Aramenta Cellars Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge
($32) Bright red. Musky red fruits and underbrush on the perfumed nose. Smoky and gently sweet,
offering raspberry and cherry flavors that pick up a bitter edge with air. Tails off a bit on a finish that
features dusty tannins and a hint of medicinal cherry. 87
2010 Brella Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($25) Vivid red. Musky redcurrant and dried cherry aromas, with a peppery nuance adding lift. Lightbodied and tangy, even a bit tart, with clean red fruit flavors that show a touch of jamminess on the
smooth finish. Straightforward and fruity, with good upfront appeal.
87
2011 Erath Vineyards Pinot Noir Oregon
($19) Light, bright red. Peppery red fruits and rhubarb on the nose and palate. Tangy, tightly focused
and clean, with good finishing cut, no obvious tannins and some edgy acidity. I'd have liked more
sweetness but there's an appealing, refreshing piquancy here. 87
2011 Solena Estate Pinot Noir Grande Cuvee Willamette Valley
($25) Dark red. Raspberry, cherry pit and pungent herbs on the nose. Spicy and focused, offering bitter
cherry and rhubarb flavors and a hint of white pepper. Closes on a gently sweet note, with lingering red
fruit qualities and decent length.
87
Priced from: 22.99
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2011 Wine by Joe Pinot Noir Oregon
($19) Bright red. Aromas of cherry and blackberry are lifted by a note of cracked pepper. On the rigid
side, offering zesty dark berry and bitter cherry flavors with a slightly tart edge. Closes with soft tannins
and decent length, leaving a tangy cherry pit note behind.
87
2011 Harper Voit Pinot Noir Old School Willamette Valley
($55) Vivid ruby-red. Displays pungent aromas of redcurrant, cherry pit and rhubarb, with a hint of
white pepper coming up with air. Light-bodied but sweet and focused, with a smoky nuance to its red
fruit flavors. Could use more texture and weight; finishes with silky tannins and good cling.
87
2011 Samuel Robert Winery Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($50) Light, bright red. Jammy red and dark berry aromas are complemented by a note of white pepper.
Light-bodied and slightly diffuse on the palate, offering sweet black raspberry and orange zest flavors
that tail off on the supple finish. Could use more focus and heft but this is very easy to drink. The label
states an alcohol content of 12.25%, by the way.
87
2011 Monks Gate Vineyard Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton
($34) Light, bright red. Fresh raspberry and candied rose on the fragrant nose. Light in body and spicy,
offering modestly concentrated red fruit flavors and a hint of vanilla. Straightforward and easy to drink,
finishing with good clarity and lingering spiciness.
87
2010 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Yamhill Cuvee Willamette Valley
($45) Bright ruby-red. Jammy dark berry aromas pick up smoke and cola nuances with air. Offers
straightforward blackberry and cherry compote flavors that show some warmth and a hint of bitter
chocolate. Finishes smoky and slightly hot, with good breadth and lingering dark fruit liqueur. 87
2009 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Mark Bradford Vineyard Willamette Valley
($100) Ruby-red. Vanilla, woodsmoke and dark berry preserves on the heady, intensely perfumed nose.
Broad and fleshy, offering sweet blackberry and cherry-vanilla flavors and notes of clove, espresso and
candied violet. Shows impressive power and breadth on the finish, which strongly echoes the vanilla
and spice notes. Impressive for its volume but there's no way that I'd have guessed that this wine was
made from pinot noir. This wine, and in fact all the 2009s I tasted from Domaine Serene, would show
well in tastings of Central Coast grenache or maybe even South Australian shiraz.
87
2010 Bryn Mawr Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Eola-Amity Hills
($20) Brilliant red. Fresh red fruits and peppery spices on the nose. Sharply focused redcurrant and
strawberry flavors show good energy but are missing some depth and sweetness. Finishes with good
clarity and lift, with dusty tannins adding shape and grip.
87
2010 Vista Hills Pinot Noir Piedmont Estate Willamette Valley
($44) Bright red. Dried red fruits and candied rose on the fragrant nose. Smoky and gently sweet, with
good lift to its bitter cherry and orange zest flavors. Shows a slightly tart edge on the finish, which is
framed by soft, fine-grained tannins.
87
2011 Benton Lane Winery Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($19) Light red. Fresh red berries and herbs on the nose and palate. Tangy and light-bodied, with good
clarity and finishing cut. On the tart side but I like this wine's clarity, not to mention price; it would
drink well lightly chilled.87
2011 Roco Wines Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($30) Pale red. Red berries, white pepper and fresh rose on the nose. Spicy and incisive on the palate,
offering tangy redcurrant and strawberry flavors and a touch of bitter rhubarb. Finishes zesty and nicely
focused but with a slightly tart edge.
87
2011 A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir Oregon
($20) Light, bright red. High-pitched strawberry and rose scents show good clarity and pick up spiciness
with air. Clean and brisk, in the style of the vintage, but a modicum of sweetness gives the red fruit
flavors a sense of depth. Closes tangy and slightly firm, with good cut and length.
87
Priced from: 14.95
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2011 Walnut City Wineworks Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($21) Light red. Tightly focused scents of redcurrant, rhubarb and white pepper. Taut and linear on the
palate, offering slightly tart red fruit flavors and a hint of bitter orange pith. Finishes firm and tangy,
with good cut and dusty tannins. This is ready to drink. 87
2011 Omero Cellars Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge
($38) Vivid red. Black raspberry and spicecake on the fragrant nose. Juicy and expansive, showing good
heft to its sweet red fruit and floral pastille flavors. Betrays a faint raisiny quality on the clinging, gently
tannic finish. 87
2011 Omero Cellars Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge
($28) Vivid red. An initially reticent nose opens to display fresh red berry and white pepper scents, plus
a subtle note of dried rose. Light-bodied raspberry and spicecake flavors are firmed by tangy acidity.
Finishes slightly tart, leaving white pepper and redcurrant notes behind. This refreshing, moderately
nuanced pinot checks in at 12.5% alcohol.
87
2011 Sweet Cheeks Winery Pinot Noir Estate Willamette Valley
($23) (12% alcohol): Light, bright red. Lively red fruit aromas are complemented by notes of sassafras
and dried rose. Light in body and refreshingly brisk, showing good lift and cut to its redcurrant and
bitter cherry flavors. Finishes on a bitter cherry note and with a slightly clench quality. 87
2011 Planet Oregon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
($20) Light, bright red. High-pitched aromas of fresh red berries, rose and white pepper. Juicy and taut
on entry, then fleshier in the mid-palate, offering gently sweet strawberry and spicecake flavors and a
tangy note of orange pith. Finishes with good clarity and decent persistence, leaving a tangy red fruit
note behind. 87
Priced from: 19.99
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