South Stage Cellars 2012 Fortmiller Vineyard Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley, $26
Quail Run Vineyards spans more than a dozen sites throughout Southern Oregon, and the Moore family has enjoyed a long and storied history with Willamette Valley superstar Joe Dobbes. He makes several wines for the Moores, who sell them in their Jacksonville tasting room alongside other brands made with Quail Run fruit. This Pinot Noir from Fortmiller Vineyard just north of Ashland brings a rich style that’s easy to drink and loaded with a theme of dark berries akin to blackberry, loganberry and black cherry. Minimal tannins and raspberry acidity lead to a deliciously long finish of cranberry jelly. The Moores, who are in the midst of their Around the World promotion with Southern Oregon chefs, suggest serving this with goat cheese, Camembert or Havarti, fish, roasted chicken, duck or lamb chops.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 185 cases
Alcohol: 14.2%
Leave a Reply