The owners of Youngberg Hill near McMinnville, Ore., made it their quest to “have captured ‘The Hill’ in the bottle,” and the Baileys have done so in lively fashion with this Pinot Noir blend from Biodynamically farmed 30-year-old Pommard and Wädenswil clone fruit and much younger Dijon 777. Wayne Bailey harvested this at 22 Brix, which accounts for the lithe aspect to the wine, which opens with Rainier cherry and pink strawberry aromas that include dried lavender and light toast — a sign of the 14 months in 40% new barrels. Red currant and strawberry/rhubarb compote lead the discussion of the lively flavors and cellar-worthy structure that’s highlighted by the refreshingly level of alcohol.
Rating: Excellent — 91 points
Production: 140 cases
Alcohol: 12.4%
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