I've got to send this newsletter - albeit short and to the point. Everything is pointing to an incredibly challenging, dare I say it, nearly impossible 2011 vintage in the Willamette Valley. Southern Oregon and Eastern Oregon (Columbia Valley) will fare better but our beloved Willamette Valley may not get the warmer and drier temperatures it needs to ripen the fruit as it should be. Plus the thinner skin of the Pinot Noir creates a perfect portal for the rain which can dilute the concentration of the fruit.
Why am I saying all this? Simply put - if you want to have Pinot Noir in your cellar to get your through what is going to be a VERY limited vintage, now is the time to do it. Personally, I am stocking up, and I encourage you to do it as well. I'm going to focus on the very affordable, great value Pinot Noirs but, if you are interested in the single vineyard Pinot Noirs of Ken Wright, St. Innocent, Bethel Heights, Dom. Serene, Alloro Vineyard, or J. Christopher, let me know. You can expect to pay around $30-35 for the latter but for purposes of this newsletter, I'll keep it under $20/bottle.
2009 Broadley - Focused aromas and appealingly creamy notes of raspberry and cherry fruit. Honestly, one of my great value Pinot Noirs. This same fruitiness is apparent on the palate with a bright and fresh edge to the flavor concentration. Nice sweetness to the fruit and hints of dried herbs, a touch of minerality and notes of dried wood add depth and complexity. A screaming deal! - $14.50
2007 Sineann Yates-Conwill - A mélange of cherries, licorice, minerals and raspberries. The finish reminded us of walking the vineyards right before harvest and munching clusters of grapes.$20.00 (this is an end of vintage price - normally sells for upwards of $30.00!)
2009 Planet Oregon - $1 from the sale of each bottle of Planet Oregon Pinot noir is donated to the Oregon Environmental Council. This wine is only sold in Oregon, at limited locations. Garnet colored wine. A delectable aroma of fresh raspberries, just picked on a hot summer day, almost takes your breath away. An upfront juiciness follows through with mouthwatering flavors of raspberries, blackberries, and cherries, tinged with a suggestion of sweet baking spices and dried herbs. $18.00
2009 J.K. Carriere Provacateur - Garnet color gives way to a reserved nose of cherry, boysenberry and blond spice. The palate is fairly balanced between ripe dark plum and refreshing red raspberry: a full and easy start leads to cherry chutney, grilled steak and bay leaf before finishing on rhubarb pie, light smoke and red cherry pit. The structure is not perceptible at entry, but builds to a nice just-visited overall mouth reminder. $20.00
2010 Owen Roe Sharecropper's - This will be the ONE value Pinot Noir from Owen Roe as O'Reilly's is no longer being produced. Big red candied nose - a well balanced Pinot that is drinking great right now. Rich red fruit and currant combine on the tongue. Just the right amount of acidity provides a texture uncannily similar to the 2008. Drink now and through 2012. $19.00
2009 Lenne Cote de 'Or - Black raspberry, black cherry and plum aromas with a distinct chocolate note. The mouth feel is round and soft, with fine tannins defining the finish. Best to drink over the next 2 to 4 years. $20.00
2009 Raptor Ridge, Willamette Valley - Light, supple and appealing for the mineral notes that harmonize with the cherry and spice flavors. Nice finish. 92 pts. Wine Spectator. $20.00.
2009 Seven of Hearts. Good penetration and depth. Smoky tones along with botanical, pure earth/floral tones. Roses and peonies present. Creamy entry - more finesse and depth as it carries to finish. Lots of lift and cut on the fresh, penetrating finish. $18.00
2009 St. Innocent Villages Cuvee. Fresh strawberry, spice-box, and a slight woodsiness on the nose. Creamy and light on the palate with delicately layered fruit and just enough earthiness to provide an uncomplicated set of low notes. $20.00
2010 Ayres Pinot Noir. High tones of bing cherries, roasted plums, and wild red raspberries. Green tea along with brown sugar and all spice on the nose offer the sensation of baked pastries with homemade vanilla ice cream! Dollar for dollar you will not find a more detailed, a more luminous Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. $19.00
2009 Lemelson Six Vineyards - Sweet, sweet cherry and raspberry explodes in the aromas and follows into the flavors. Soft, lush, and viscous in the mouth but with great acidity and a finish with shades of barrel spice and earth. $18.00
2009 Sass Pinot Noir. Dark and red cherry, strawberry and black raspberry notes with a lovely, silky mouth feel, perfect balance and a finish that just keeps going. $17.00
There you go! The most AMAZING case of Pinot Noir for a tad over $200!! This is amazing and I can guarantee you that with all of the recent press about the 2011 vintage, these wines will NOT last. Three-bottle minimum* is all that's required but if it were me (and, as it turns out, it is since I'm buying the mixed case!), I wouldn't stop until I had one bottle of each! Anyway, give me a call or e-mail me with your order - you'll thank me this time next year!!
Cheers!!
Chris Hardy
Custom Wine Marketing LLC
Ph: 503-310-4576
Email: customwinemarketing@hotmail.com
