John Wrigley grew up on a large ranch near the Snake River and in the southern Idaho town of Burley, so he’s not one to shy away from the hard work and challenges faced when dry-farming and crafting Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. And the self-taught winemaker, who started commercially with estate fruit from the cool 2011 vintage, has proven to be a quick study. The nose from this Pommard-based Pinot Noir hints at darker fruit such as plum and blueberry amid cocoa powder, chocolate, toast and resin. The blue fruit profile found often in McMinnville wines carries through with density on the palate and supported by youthful tannins that hint at bittersweet chocolate and espresso grounds. There’s a backing of dustiness, moist earth, cedar and pomegranate juice. These small lots are available in his wife Jody’s hometown of Bellingham, Wash., where they are poured on occasion at Seifert and Jones Wine Merchants and at Hotel Bellwether.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 250 cases
Alcohol: 14%
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