Alexana Winery 2016 Fennwood Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton $65

For the second straight vintage, Bryan Weil uses 38-acre Fennwood Vineyard from the Yamhill-Carlton to earn our top rating. These vines were less than a decade old at harvest, and the site’s early promise attracted the attention of storied vintner Lynn Penner-Ash. Last summer, ownership of Hampton Lumber purchased it and turned over the farming to the good hands at Results Partners. One should hope that Alexana owner Dr. Madaiah Revana will maintain his relationship with Fennwood. Weil’s latest example creates aromas of Bing cherry, sweet blueberry and light mocha, followed by creamy flavors of strawberry and Bing cherry juice. Soft tannins and blueberry compote – a feature we noted in the 2015 Fennwood – also pick up toasted cinnamon for a lasting finish.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 149 cases

Alcohol: 14.1%

Winery website

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