10. Domaine Serene 2011 Côte Sud Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $85
Nearly a year ago, Wine Spectator named Domaine Serene’s 2010 Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir as No. 3 on the top 100 list of 2013 — which, despite the difficult vintage, made it the top wine produced in the country. Erik Kramer’s work in the bottling off the oldest vineyard on the Evenstad Estate shows the remarkable high-toned red fruit tones so often found in Pinot Noir from the Dundee Hills. The call to pick came Oct. 25, which was followed by a 13-month barrel program in 60% new French oak that allows for a fruit-forward nose of Queen Anne cherry, plum juice, pomegranate, mint and a dusty country road. Its structure follows a silky path led by strawberry, raspberry and black cherry. Mild tannin and juicy acidity allows for a delicate and winsome finish of violets. The winery requires membership in order to purchase this, which is one of eight in the Dayton winery’s single-vineyard program.
Production: 150 cases
Alcohol: 13.2%
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