Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1036886
october 2018 / the tasting panel / 69 namon sugar, dark cherry, blueberry, dried roses, and forest floor. 90 9. Montinore Estate 2016 Reserve Pinot Noir ($35) This wine has a New World "pop" of carbonic fruit on the nose; on the palate, there's tobacco and cedar. Savory and animal, it has a good balance of Old World character and New World fruit. 92 10. Montinore Estate 2016 Graham's Block Pinot Noir ($50) Earth and animal fur on the nose. The fruit is dark and rich: On the palate it's expressive, ripe, juicy, long, and bold. 93 11. Project M Wines 2016 Personify Pinot Noir ($38) This wine has a great nose that pops out of the glass. Very active, it's round, pretty, floral, and lively. Hints of jasmine with a long finish. 92 12. Project M Wines 2016 Kairos Bodhi Pinot Noir ($68) This wine is more earthy than the other Project M releases, but still perfumed and floral. Meaty and generous. 93 13. Resonance 2016 Pinot Noir ($35) This wine demands a pause, especially at this price. With a satiny texture, it's juicy and aromatic with a pleasant mouthfeel. Great acid and a savory, long finish. 95 14. Rex Hill Vineyards 2015 Pinot Noir ($35) A soapy quality on the nose that's not present on the palate. Dried flowers, dark cherry, and plum on the palate. Hints at Burgundy. 91 15. Seven of Hearts 2015 Very Special Reserve Pinot Noir ($65) Lean, light, fresh style with some roses on the nose and tart cherry, but the palate is simple. Good acid but lacks complexity. 90 16. Shea Wine Cellars 2016 Shea Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($45) This wine has some alcohol coming hot off the nose. With a palate filled with candied cherries, it's silky and modern with a very juicy, lingering finish. 92 17. Sweet Cheeks Winery 2015 Vintage Pinot Noir ($29) Tart, fresh, and quite simple. It's very drinkable but perhaps a bit clumsy on the mid-palate. Finishes quickly. 87 18. Tendril Wine Cellars 2014 Extrovert Pinot Noir ($48) Animal and earth on the nose, with dark plums, black cherries, espresso beans, and fennel on the palate. Good acid. 90 19. Tendril Wine Cellars 2014 Tightrope Pinot Noir ($64) Opaque color. The nose is intriguing, with dark fruit, jasmine, and sandalwood, while the palate is complex and elegant with chocolate-coffee and soy. 91 20. Tyee Wine Cellars 2015 Estate Pinot Noir ($28) Light and fresh with sweet tobacco, cherry, and a dry finish. 89 21. Welsh Family Wines 2016 Cancilla Vineyard Pinot Noir ($37) Packed with blueberry, black cherry, oregano, and balsamic. Slightly elevated in alcohol. The finish is savory, earthy, and long. 90 CHEHALEM MOUNTAINS Established: 2006 Planted Area: 2,680 acres (1,085 hectares) Predominant Soils: Marine sedimentary, volcanic, loess Unique Terroir: Varied combinations of soils and elevation can produce wines of well-defined structure. 1. Chehalem 2016 Coral Creek Vineyards Pinot Noir ($50) This nose is active and very perfumed with sweet cherry, white pepper, and roses. Peach and candied orange on the palate alongside flora and stone fruits. Juicy, fruity, generous, and bright. 95 2. Ruby 2015 Estate Blend Pinot Noir ($45) This wine has a mineral-tinged, almost-volcanic nose. Black pepper with earthy notes throughout the palate. The finish is earthy, savory, and deep. 90 DUNDEE HILLS Established: 2004 Planted Area: 2,300 acres (930 hectares) Predominant Soils: Volcanic (Jory series) Unique Terroir: Protected by the Coast Range to the west and the Chehalem Mountains to the northeast, the area receives less cooling from the Pacific Ocean and Columbia Gorge, resulting in warmer growing seasons than most of Willamette Valley. 1. Chehalem 2016 Stoller Vineyards Pinot Noir ($50) Peppered cherries and espresso on the nose with gor- geous fruit throughout. Floral and packed with Rainier cherry. Long and classic. 93 2. Domaine Drouhin 2014 Laurene Pinot Noir ($70) The nose is like bright sunshine with brilliant cherry, cranberry, and shiny penny. A very Burgundian style with a long, balanced finish. 94 3. Domaine Drouhin 2015 Pinot Noir ($45) The presence of star fruit on the nose and elegant, sleek cherry on the palate is well-integrated throughout. It's smooth, balanced, and also very Burgundian in style. 95 4. Domaine Serene 2015 Cote Sud Vineyard Pinot Noir ($100) Mesmerizing and fragrant nose of antique store and fresh linen. This exotic wine has a deep ruby color with a lush, smooth palate and finish. 98 5. Domaine Serene 2015 Two Barns Vineyards Pinot Noir ($95) Rose pet- als and cherry nose. Gamey, mouth- filling palate with baking spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, espresso, and mocha. 97 6. Holloran 2014 Le Pavillon Vineyard Pinot Noir ($52) The nose has an earthy, red-pepper quality. Lean acidity with zingy fruit. 89 7. Lavinea 2015 NYSA Vineyard Pinot Noir ($65) A barnyard nose and an earthy, funky palate. 88