This is a good value Oregon pinot noir from Duck Pond. The aroma speaks only of pinot noir, and is Burgundian in character, with its notes of rhubarb, beetroot, cherry and cedar. The palate is slightly more full bodied, with good length and balance. Ready to drink now. Rating: Good to Very Good. Abv: 13.8%. Price: $30. Website: www.duckpondcellars.com
I’ve had some very good Australian pinot noirs, but it does seem that there are a series of foreign regions that are gifted easier climatic building blocks that result in more Burgundian styling. To my palate, Oregon is one such region and this pinot noir from the Willamette Valley south of Portland in Oregon in the United States is very good. Baden is another. This wine resembles a Nuits-Saint-Georges with its aromatics of rhubarb and raspberry. The palate is medium bodied with a fresh, minerally streak on the finish. Great drinking for circa $60. (Alc: 13%, Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States, Rating: Good to Very Good, Drink: now to 2022, Tasted: August, 2017)
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www.cristomvineyards.com
Other vintages reviewed:
Nil
This is only the second pinot noir that I’ve tried from Oregon in the United States. The first was while studying for the WSET Advanced Certificate, and I remember it, because it had nigh on 15% alcohol, knocked your socks off, and resembled a cabernet or even a shiraz. These are not however observations that apply to this wine. Frankly, it was very good, though the wisdom of calling your wine “Nuthouse” escapes me for a wine over $5. Anise, leaves, red cherries jostled in an open knit kind of way. On the palate, some length and similar flavours. A drink now, enjoyable wine. Tasted blind. 87 points (7.2/10)
Abv: 14%
Price: $40s
Website: http://www.argylewinery.com/
