2009 Auteur Ophelia Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 91 cases, $38. Originally a blend of California and Oregon Pinot Noir grapes, but now a singular Willamette Valley blend. Four barrels from Shea Vineyard that did not fit into the Shea and Shea Back Block bottlings for 2009. Aged in 100% neutral French oak. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Very ripe fruit profile with aromas of spiced black cherries and black raspberries and baking chocolate. Moderately intense flavors on the mid palate featuring dark cherries and berries with some spice and oak underpinnings. The tannins are restrained and the wine offers early drinkability. A little heat shows up on the finish. Good. Reviewed May 15, 2011

Winery: Auteur
From article: California Pinot With Plenty of Noir