Stephen Reustle chose to establish his vineyard and winery in Southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley over other areas of the West Coast, and his plantings near Cal Henry Road near Roseburg continue to prove his prescience regarding the site’s stunning versatility. The historically warm growing season allowed him to harvest six clones of Pinot Noir on Sept. 14 — just ahead of the remnants of Typhoon Pabuk — and his barrel program of 80% new French oak merely adds grace to the bottle. There are mouthwatering aromas of dark strawberry, cherry juice, red currant and cranberry, backed by peach skin and muscovado sugar. The drink is remarkably creamy and elegant on the entry with black cherry and more strawberry, yet there’s complexity as Montmorency cherry acidity and plum skin tannins create a gradual rise to the body. Notes of young leather and caramel in the finish give it pleasing breadth. The Reustles suggest serving it with lamb, grilled salmon or blue cheese.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 600 cases
Alcohol: 13.6%
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