Seven clones and four of the five North Willamette Valley American Viticultural Areas – lacking only the Dundee Hills – are reflected in this Pinot Noir that offers the dark purple tones one would expect from a warm vintage. McMinnville winemaker Byron Dooley took these lots in the final two weeks of September, resulting in a fruity nose of Marionberry, dark cherry and Simpkins Blackcurrant Travel Sweets joined by smoke and coffee. Juiciness is the theme on the palate, bringing pomegranate and boysenberry flavors with smoked spices and plum-skin tannins. These wines are available at the downtown Carlton tasting room and throughout Oregon as well as through distributors in Washington state (Owen Kotler Selections) and Idaho (Tastevin).
Rating: Excellent
Production: 987 cases
Alcohol: 13.2%
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