Yesterday afternoon we had spectacular flight of Pinot Noir from a region I could probably enjoy in my glass on a daily basis: Oregon Pinot Noir. We tried a 2012 and 2013 vintage comparison from two exemplary producers Cristom Vineyards of Eola-Amity Hills vs Shea Vineyard of Willamette Valley. From the flight of wines, there were two wines that stood out the most for their dynamic personalities: the 2013 Cristom Vineyards ‘Jessie’ Pinot Noir and the 2012 Shea Vineyard ‘West Hill’ Pinot Noir.
The 2013 Cristom Jessie Pinot from Eola-Amity Hills showed brighter aromatics with brilliant red fruit, fresh spring flowers and flecks of lemon zest all beautifully complimented by deep minerality, smoke and cola spice. The finish was lengthy reflecting the crushed raspberries from the aroma and palate before. As fabulous as this Pinot Noir was showing today, this could be an even greater Pinot when stashed away for a few year.
“Ruby-red. Highly perfumed scents of dark berries, cola and rose oil. Fleshy, expansive black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors display a suave blend of richness and energy, picking up a spicy character with air. Finishes juicy and very long, with lingering dark fruit flavors and slow-building tannins.”- VinousMedia. Graileys Price: $59.95/btl
“Supple and generous, this is light in texture and intense, with cherry, red plum, nutmeg and floral flavors that don’t quit as the finish lingers against delicately crunchy tannins. Best from 2016 through 2022. 300 cases made.”- 93pts Wine Spectator Graileys Price: $59.95/btl
On the other spectrum… the 2012 Shea Vineyards ‘West Hill’ Pinot from Willamette Valley had this stunning rounded texture, bigger and darker red berries with deeper, more nutmeg like spice. With its supple approach, this is an elegant Pinot Noir that I recommend you grab to enjoy in this gorgeous weather. Grab a 6pk of each and enjoy for yourself both of these fine Oregon Pinot Noir expressions.
Just let me know at Kim@graileys.com