Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1036886
october 2018 / the tasting panel / 71 2. J. Wrigley Wines 2016 Estate Pinot Noir ($68) High-acid with some great minerality. Very rich and long finish. 90 3. Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2015 Estate Pinot Noir ($22) Roses and strawberry on the nose with cherry and mocha on the palate. 90 4. Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2014 Tall Poppy Single Block Designate Pinot Noir ($75) Smoky, dirty nose. Better on the palate, but still funky. 88 YAMHILL-CARLTON DISTRICT Established: 2004 Planted Area: 2,500 acres (1,010 hectares) Predominant Soils: Marine sedimentary (Willakenzie series) Unique Terroir: The region is bordered by geographical barriers that result in warmer temperatures and the earliest harvest dates in Willamette Valley. The wines are ripe with a wealth of dark fruit. 1. Domaine Serene 2015 Abbey Oaks Vineyard Pinot Noir ($90) This wine has a rich, seductive nose of dark cherry and chocolate, as well as a firm backbone of acidity. Coffee, mocha, and dark plums on the palate. Elegant and balanced. 96 2. Kramer Vineyards 2014 Pommard Pinot Noir ($38) Lanolin and jasmine on the nose. A high-acid, lean, and edgy wine with tart cherry and cranberry notes. 89 3. Lavinea 2015 Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir ($55) Intriguing cherry nose with a wet and earthy character of porcini mushroom. Strawberry and white pepper on the palate. 91 4. Luminous Hills 2015 Astra Pinot Noir ($42) Jazzy nose of cherry and sandalwood with seamless notes of strawberry and cranberry. Firm acidity. A solid, well-made wine. 92 5. Luminous Hills 2015 Lux Pinot Noir ($42) Very nice with a mildly soapy nose; cherry, chocolate, and cranberry dominate a rich mid-palate. Lush, deep, and long. 92 6. Pike Road 2016 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir ($50) High-tone cherry on the nose. Some peach and orange with earth, heather, and violets. Long finish. 93 RIBBON RIDGE Established: 2005 Planted Area: 800 acres (325 hectares) Predominant Soils: Marine sedimentary (Willakenzie series) Unique Terroir: The Ribbon Ridge region primarily comprises the Willakenzie series of sedimentary soil, which results in notably earthy and complex wines. 1. Chehalem 2014 The Statement Pinot Noir ($99) Iron and dark chocolate with a mineral middle that cuts the fruit in half. With high acid, it drinks Old World. Silky, juicy, ripe, tangy, and long. 94 2. Ryan Rose 2015 Pinot Noir ($50) Gorgeous nose. The fruit is generous with floral notes of violet and lilac alongside mocha, mulberry, and Asian spice. Smooth, clean finish. 93 3. Welsh Family Wines 2016 Armstrong Vineyards Pinot Noir ($40) Tilled-soil and animal nose with some cherry. Old World acidity with animal fur and cranberry. Silky, crisp, and earthy; light and floral; long and lean. 93 ROGUE VALLEY Established: 1991 Planted Area: 1,900 acres (800 hectares) Predominant Soils: Stream sediments Unique Terroir: The southernmost winegrowing region in Oregon, Rogue Valley encompasses vineyards typically found at elevations of 1,200–2,000 feet above sea level. Generous sunshine and warmth allow for fully developed fruit and rich wines. 1. Irvine & Roberts Vineyards 2015 115 Block Pinot Noir ($35) White pepper, cherry, cedar, and chocolate on the nose. Lush, luxurious, and juicy with gor- geous fruit. Smooth and long finish. 94 2. Weisinger Family Winery 2015 Estate Pinot Noir ($40) It's like a chocolate dream. Cherry notes abound with undertones of rhubarb and anise. Juicy and rich with a persistent finish. 92 COLUMBIA GORGE Established: 2004 Planted Area: 1,300 acres (525 hectares) Predominant Soils: Volcanic, lahar, loess, silt, sand Unique Terroir: The Columbia River Gorge features a cooler, marine-influen- ced climate and can grow a wide range of varieties. Phelps Creek Vineyards 2015 Pinot Noir ($34) A slate and mineral quality to the nose along with cocoa and cherry. Some Old World flair and notes of espresso, white pepper, raspberry, and cranberry. 92 OREGON From fruit sourced throughout Oregon. A to Z Wineworks The Essence 2016 Pinot Noir ($20) Chocolate and cherry on the nose with hints of cinnamon and tart cranberry. A pretty little wine, it's clean, pure, juicy, and long. 90