Puget Sound producer Paul Bianchi used Grenache grapes from Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills to win best of show at the 2019 Washington State Wine Competition. That bottling was from the 2016 vintage. A year later, the siren call of Pinot Noir grew too loud for this Bainbridge Island winemaker, so he ventured into Jory soils in the northeast portion of the Eola-Amity Hills in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. With the help of vineyard managers John Davidson and John Gilpin, Bianchi found a gem in tiny Sylvie Vineyard off Westland Lane. He displays a craftsman’s touch with the 50% new French oak barrels, which make plenty of room for a nose of strawberry Starburst candy, Rainier cherry and Douglas fir tip tea. The suave structure developed by the 25% whole cluster treatment brings out delicious dark red fruit flavors that are framed by Bing cherry acidity and strawberry seed tannins. Combine those attributes with its non-filtered treatment and there’s a long yet smooth road ahead.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 120 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Pinot Noir my all time favorite wine – how can I get some here in AZ??