2015 Brigadoon Taproot Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.54, 200 cases, $40. A winemaker’s barrel selection, usually ones from the vineyard’s oldest vines, a block of Dijon 115 and Wädenswil clone Pinot Noir planted in 1997. Clones are Wädenswil, Pommmard and Dijon 115. Average yield 2.7 tons per acre. Average vine age is 16 years. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 37% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. The wine is intended for cellar aging. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is rather shy and primary at this early stage. Aromas of black cherry, cardamom, clove and splintered oak. Full and lush on the palate in a mid weight plus style featuring flavors of blackest cherry and blackberry. Still tight, with balanced tannins, a fortuitous acid backbone, a deft touch of oak, and a modest finish. This sappy wine will appeal to bold fruit lovers. Decanting or more time in bottle is suggested. Still a bit foreboding when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91-92. Reviewed June 25, 2017

Winery: Brigadoon Wine Company
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Willamette Valley Wines