3 Outstanding Oregon Pinot Noirs
Monday, January 25, 2016
2012 Oregon Pinot Noir is a vintage I've been enjoying tremendously lately. Retailers shelves are starting to show more 2013s and 2014s though, so it's time to stock up if you haven't already. The good news is 2013 is quite good as well. Here's three outstanding Oregon Pinot Noirs I've enjoyed recently...
14.3% Alcohol
$42
Shea Pinot Noir is an Oregon Pinot Noir I'll buy any vintage. It tends to be darker in color, richer in flavor, and higher in alcohol than most Oregon Pinot Noirs so it drinks more like a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir to me. But it's surely Oregon with a tremendously attractive array of aromas and flavors. On the nose I get perfumes and floral aromatics, inviting fruit and just a touch it vanilla in the distance. On the palate there's a slight "siltiness" that gives it presence and grip. Long finish and a versatile personality that enables pairing with just about anything. Another benchmark wine from a benchmark vintage. Where to buy...
94/100 WWP: Outstanding
2013 Stoller Pinot Noir
12.9% Alcohol
$30
This wine is impeccably balanced, and surprisingly full of flavor given its 12.9% percent alcohol. Just a classic Oregon Pinot Noir, charmed with bright appealing strawberry fruit and devoid of any green notes. Signature silky texture makes it a delight to drink. Wine Spectator rated this wine 92 points, which is quite an accomplishment at $30 but even more appealing when it can be had for less than $20 retail. Where to buy...
91/100 WWP: Outstanding
2012 August Cellars Pinot Noir
12.5% Alcohol
$16.99 retail
It's amazing how good this wine is given its modest price. And how much flavor it has given its low alcohol level. But it's not a straightforward one-note affair by any means. The appeal here is the melancholy rainy autumn evening flavor profile. Mushrooms, forest floor, appealing light fruit - what a combination. Can't get enough of this one. I've enjoyed this in prior vintages and it's no fluke. Where to buy...
90/100 WWP: Outstanding
Question of the Day: What are some of your favorite recently released Oregon Pinot Noirs?