Cooler vintages in the Willamette Valley require nerves of steel, veteran vineyard management and talented winemaking. Harry and daughter Wynne Peterson-Nedry (that’s Wynne on the label, drawing a barrel sample) and their team showed all of those qualities with this remarkable Pinot Noir from estate plantings in the hills above Newberg, Ore. Harry likened this vintage to 1999 and 2008, yet his 2011 already is beautifully rich. The yummy nose of dark plums, Bing cherry and ripe strawberry also shows a chunk of Heath Bar. Its supple entry brings rich strawberry and raspberry flavors which funnel into a structure of moderate tannins and mouth-filling pomegranate acidity that shows elegance on a substantial frame. The finish is lengthy with red currant and whole cranberries. Here’s their top-shelf Pinot Noir, and it does not disappoint.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 382 cases
Alcohol: 12.8%
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