Sharecropper’s Wine Co. 2014 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $21

Most consumers are unaware, but many wine grape growers often don’t get paid in a timely manner. Northwest vintner David O’Reilly addressed this problem with growers in the aftermath of the 2001 recession and created a sharecropping approach at Owen Roe, and the growing success of his business — in part because of this consumer-friendly label — allows him to pay vineyard owners in advance. The fruit-forward vintage of 2014 in the Willamette Valley at his favorite vineyards for this program — Anna’s (Chehalem Mountains), Durant (Dundee Hills), Lenné (Yamhill-Carlton), Merriman (Yamhill-Carlton) and Sojourner (Eola-Amity Hills) — allows for a darker expression of Pinot Noir. Black cherry, Marionberry, bittersweet chocolate, toast and earthy aromas lead to delicious and dense flavors of black currant and Chukar Cherry, backed by boysenberry, pomegranate and caramel. Suggested pairings include salmon grilled on a cedar plank, and with production nearly doubled from the 2013 vintage, it should be easier than ever to find this wine.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 6,196 cases

Alcohol: 14.1%

Winery website

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