Food industry executive Robert Ervin retired after a long career with Cargill, returned to his native Oregon and recently launched Monte Ferro — Italian for iron mountain. He hired renowned Elkton winemaker Terry Brandborg to produce this remarkable Pinot Noir, picked off Dijon 777 and Dijon 114 clones from Westbrook Vineyards in the Umpqua Valley. The berries achieved 22 brix when harvest came Oct. 13, which explains its lower alcohol profile, and the new French oak (40%) helps account for aromas of black currant, raspberry, fig, vanilla, saddle leather and truffle. Its flavors lead with black cherries and plums, followed by a complex and delicious mix of cinnamon, dried blueberry, earthiness and hazelnut skins. Monte Ferro wines are available at Portland area at New Seasons Markets, Cellar Door, E and R Wine Shop, Market of Choice and Vino as well as Wizer’s and World Class Wines in Lake Oswego.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 125 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
Guys, the alchohol is 13.5
Please tell me about yourselves. I’m curious if we could work together?
Oops! You are correct. The 2012 went up one point to 13.5
Tasting through all the wines now and mixed up vintages.
The 2011 is drinking great tonight, add is the 2012, which is very pretty.
The 2011 is a bit more brooding.