2014 Tendril Pretender Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 124 cases, $60. Aged 15 months in 0% new French oak barrels. A Pinot Noir Blanc wine in which a red varietal is “pretending” to be a white wine. Winemaker Tony Rynders introduced this style of Pinot Noir to Oregon while working at Domaine Serene. · Moderately light golden yellow color with a slight pink tinge. Aromas of cut apple, poached pear and brown butter lead to a polished wine in the mouth offering flavors of apple, white grape, watermelon and subtle spice and nuttiness. Satiny, even slightly viscous on the palate, with a polished demeanor and a quenching finish. Still fine when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, if not a little bit more enjoyable. I am not a big fan of Pinot Noir Blanc, so the wine may be slightly underscored. Score: 91. Reviewed October 8, 2017

Winery: Tendril Wine Cellars
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir