Bernard Lacroute broke ground on this former cattle ranch in the hills near Yamhill, Ore., and started his plantings in 1992 with Aliette, named for his mother. Each year, his winemaker, Thibaud Mandet, creates more than a handful of vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs, and this 5-acre block showcases Pommard clones harvested Nov. 7. The lot spent 14 months in a barrel program of 50% new French oak, creating lovely aromas of dusty raspberry, black plum and orange oil include hints of violet, cotton candy, buttered toast and flint. Inside is a beautiful delivery of plum, blackberry and currant amid a rounded, elegant structure that’s capped by licorice, crushed herbs and Montmorency cherry. Suggested fare includes grilled salmon, pork chops and vegetables.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 800 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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