Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2014 Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $22
Stephen Cary continues to produce superb work with the flagship wine for Yamhill Valley Vineyards, the oldest winery in the McMinnville American Viticultural Area. Selections from Sept. 23 through Oct. 14 were made at 24. 9 Brix, and the vintage allowed for him to hang 3.2 tons per acre. In the end, the blend spent 10 months within just 8% new French oak, affording aromas of Benton cherry, spice rub, fresh herbs and a whiff of smoke. A supple structure makes for flavors of Damson plum and huckleberry with cocoa powder, capped by cranberry acidity and a hint of cherry wood smoke, making for a fascinating and easy drink. This bottling accounts for 25 percent of the winery’s annual production, and the brand is available in 20 states, Canada, Denmark and Bermuda.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 5,068 cases
Alcohol: 14.2%
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