Founding winemaker Jim Bernau pulls these 80 barrels from the 15 acres of clones 667, 777 and Pommard he used to establish his vineyard in 1983 near Turner, Ore. A product of a classic vintage, it spent 10 months in a program of 35% new French oak, creating aromas of black currant, dark cherry, pipe tobacco, moist earth and vanilla with a hint of gaminess. Flavors feature cassis, raspberry and vanilla amid a pleasing balance of tannin and acidity. Plums and pomegranate make for a remarkably long finish.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 1,922 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
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