Compton Family Wines 2016 Alpine Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $38

As one of the Willamette Valley’s most overlooked winegrowers and winemakers, Matt Compton steps out from beyond the Spindrift Cellars brand to launch his eponymous label. And his early work will continue to raise the profile of the wine community maturing around Philomath, Ore. His Alpine Cuvée is a collection of vineyards from Alpine to Monroe, which he refers to as “the banana belt of the Willamette Valley,” and clonal inputs come from Pommard, Wädenswil with Dijon 667 and 777. A year and a half in French oak creates aromas of toffee, cherry candy and blueberry compote. That ebullient young fruit hints at Beaujolais on the palate, a deliciously blend of blackcurrant, Marionberry and blueberry with supple tannins.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 401 cases

Alcohol: 14%

Winery website

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