An Iowa farm boy, Wayne Bailey went on to earn an engineering degree at the University of Nebraska then an MBA at the University of Chicago, but it was a consulting job in Burgundy that inspired him to return to farming and led him to growing grapes in Oregon. His Cuvée represents not only Dijon 777 fruit from the Bailey Block on his 50-acre vineyard near McMinnville, but also 115 and 667 from vines of his longtime collaborator – Robert Brittan of nearby Brittan Vineyards. The last of these lots came in on Sept. 29, and this Pinot Noir is emblematic of that vintage in the Willamette Valley — deliciously balanced, alcohol in check and lush fruit flavors within an approachable structure that presents all kinds of nuance. Violet, dusty cherry and bramble upon a juicy and even-keeled foundation make this a food-friendly wine. Suggested pairings of salmon, halibut, chicken, flatbreads and even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich would love to sit at the table with this lovely light Pinot Noir. It received a double gold medal at the 2021 Cascadia International Wine Competition.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 364 cases
Alcohol: 13.6%
Leave a Reply