2011 Solená Hyland Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.60, 175 cases, $50. This vineyard was planted in the 1970s, and was purchased by the Montalieus and the Niemeyers in May 2007. The estate is 200 acres with just over 120 acres planted densely to vines. Soils are volcanic Jory and some Nekia. The vineyard is composed of 47.21 acres of own-rooted, old vine Pinot Noir, 41.84 acres of newer, grafted Pinot Noir clones, and small amounts of Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Müller- Thurgau. 100% de-stemmed, Yield 1.9 tons per acre, harvest Brix 23.4º18 days skin contact, aged 11 months in 28% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. The nose offers an array of dark red and black berry aromas with added scents of spice and espresso oak. Elegant and flavorful, with a modestly weighted core of black raspberry, black cherry and nutty oak flavors supported by svelte tannins and a lively cut of acidity. The fruits are vivid as they cascade across the palate, finishing with impressive intensity. Considerably more appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with better oak integration, more finesse and more forward fruit. Score: 91. Reviewed December 18, 2013

Winery: Soléna Estate
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir