Don and Carole McCrone’s site — less than 10 acres off Blackburn Road near Carlton — was first planted in 1992, and they’ve dedicated it to Dijon clones 115 and 777 in Wellsdale sedimentary soil. When put in the hands of a maestro such as Ken Wright, the results are vibrant and supple, particularly from a vintage in the Willamette Valley which he’s compared to that of 1990. The nose starts with hints of Bing cherry, raspberry compote, Cinnamon Bear candy, white pepper and minerality. The fluid is filled with finesse, starting with luscious blackberry and vanilla, backed by strawberry-rhubarb pie and velvety tannins. These wines are highly allocated, but they also widely distributed through this country as well as Canada and nearly a dozen countries.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 700 cases
Alcohol: 13.7%
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