2015 Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.54, 1,100 cases, $28. Release November 2017. A multi-vineyard, multi-appellation blend intended to capture the essence of the vintage. Clones are Pommard, 667, 777, 113, 114, 115, “828,” and 23. Grapes were mostly de-stemmed (3% whole cluster). Small-lot fermentations were not inoculated and punched down by hand. Aged in neutral French oak barrels for 18 months. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Faint aromas of black cherry, blackberry and Nutella. Straightforward mid weight flavors of black cherry and raspberry backed by significant tannins that tilt the balance. Decent attack of fruit and mid palate richness, and a juicy, cherry-fueled finish. No oak involved. Score: 87. Reviewed October 8, 2017

Winery: Love & Squalor
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir