The remarkable vintage of 2012 elevated Pinot Noir beyond the Willamette Valley and into British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, as exemplified with this 12-barrel selection of Dijon clones by co-winemakers Heidi Noble and Robert Thielicke. The lot represents Cellarsbend Vineyard near JoieFarm’s Naramata Bench winery, Trout Creek Vineyard across Okanagan Lake from the winery and Hollenbach Family Vineyard on the Skaha Bench to the south. They combine to produce a nose of cocoa powder and dusty minerality with ripe strawberry, red currant, beet juice and a fresh shot of espresso. Inside, there’s a bright entry and beautiful structure featuring fresh, high-toned red fruit flavors akin to raspberry, cranberry and Montmorency cherry. Fine-grained tannins settle into the background as the acidity takes center stage. Suggested pairings include smoked pork, seared duck breast, poached salmon, roast venison or wild mushroom ragout.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 215 cases
Alcohol: 14%
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