Gary Horner, a clinical pharmacist in a previous life, gets to play with more than a dozen vineyards in creating the portfolio at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ producer of Pinot Noir in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. This 16-acre site is along Niederberger Road west of the town of Dundee, combined with a cool vintage, produces a vibrant, low-alcohol Pinot Noir that was picked Oct. 20. Its perfumy nose of violet and cherry picks up hints of huckleberry, grape fruit leather and menthol. On the palate, there’s a gorgeous thread of raspberry jam and Marionberry flavors, followed by cherry and vanilla. Velvety tannins and pomegranate acidity make for pleasant landing.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 230 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
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