Woodinville winemaker Ross Andrew Mickel’s partnership with Precept Wine allows for expanded distribution, and last year the Seattle company added Yamhela Vineyard in Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Area to its quiver of Northwest vineyards. Yamhela, a 2007 planting near famed Shea Vineyard, happens to be the source for this release, and while Mickel produces highly priced Pinot Noir from Lachini Vineyard, this is a steal. He keeps the focus on the clone 115 fruit via a 14-month barrel program with 10% new French oak, which allows for aromas of dusty cherry and violet with hints of cocoa, truffle, tar, cigar leaf and nutmeg. Inside is a suave palate of Bing cherry, raspberry and chocolate with a pleasing balance of tannin and pomegranate acidity.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 350 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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