2012 Bethel Heights Iliahe Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 125 cases, $50. This vineyard is located in the foothills of Oregon’s coast range of mountains. The name, Illahe, is a local Chinook word for soil or earth. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Plenty of savory blueberry and blackberry fruit with spice, underbrush and earthy accents on the nose. This unique terroir-driven wine features layers of flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, black currant, anise, iron and earth. The youthful tannins are well integrated and the finish is bold and lengthy. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with more composed and expressive fruit. Score: 92. Reviewed December 11, 2014

Winery: Bethel Heights Vineyard
From article: Recent Sips of Oregon Wines: Pinot Amore´