One of the most fascinating Pinot Noirs to emerge from the 2014 vintage in the Willamette Valley also ranks among the largest productions. It’s an exciting launch for this sister project by Domaine Drouhin Oregon, a single-vineyard cuvée from the famed Dundee Hills producer’s recent 279-acre investment in the cooler Eola-Amity Hills. Of the 122 acres established as vineyard from 2004 to 2006, all but 11 are planted to Pinot Noir, which explains the scale of this bottling. And yet, its expressiveness belies the size. Alluring aromas of Red Velvet Cake include raspberry jam and baker’s chocolate. And there’s no disappointment on the palate, which is rich with the continuation of chocolate, toast and coffee. Its farewell of black raspberry and Montmorency cherry makes for a bright finish.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 12,762 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
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