2016 Laurelwood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 2,000 cases, $11.99. Produced and bottled by Laurelwood Winery, Silverton, OR. Sold at Trader Joe’s. 100% de-stemmed, whole berry fermented in 1.5-ton open-top bins. Aged in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry and heavily toasted oak lead off. Flavors of oak-infused cherry, strawberry and red current. The taste of burnt wood pervades the wine even though neutral oak was used in its production. Approachable now, with some length in the mouth and finish. A decent wine at this price point. Score: 86. Reviewed July 21, 2018

Winery: Laurelwood
From article: Recent Sips of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay