Spindrift Cellars 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $32

A couple of older Willamette Valley sites established in 1978 – Woodhall and Mary’s Peak vineyards – were blended with significantly younger Deerhaven Vineyard (1997) for an expressive dry-farmed Pinot Noir. All three lots spent a year by themselves in French barrels, presenting an aromatic theme of toasty oak, grilled cherry and chalkboard dust.  There’s less toastiness to the tasty flavors of dark cherry and black currant. The larger tannin profile and the oak regimen sets this up as a bigger style of Pinot Noir made from Pommard and Wädenswil clone fruit. Spindrift Cellars bottles are available in Washington through Cru Selections, in the Bay Area via Vinity Wine Co., and in North Carolina through Artisan Beverage and

Rating: Recommended

Production: 150 cases

Alcohol: 14.4%

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