2018 Privé le nord Estate Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.,∼200 cases, $65. Le Nord is the north block of the Privé Vineyard at 600 feet elevation. 100% Pommard clone, 100% destemmed. The wine was aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 25% new.

Note: Mark and Tina Hammond only produce 950 cases annually, specializing in Pinot Noir from their 2-acre vineyard, but also offering Syrah and Pinot Noir Port. Wines are available to a member’s list only. The Privé Vineyard was originally planted in 1980 and then grafted to Pommard clone in 1998 by the Hammonds after they acquired the vineyard in 1995. The label was launched in 2001. Other Pinot Noir bottlings include Le Sud (from the south block of the vineyard) and Joie De Vivre (a limited, reserve). Pricing varies with length of time one is on the member’s list. Etched magnums are available. Visits to the winery are welcome by appointment (minimum order of 6 bottles requested). Visit www.privevineyard.com. This is one of my favorite producers of Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley.

· Moderate garnet color in the glass. The wine is reserved upon opening, revealing its charms slowly over time in the glass. Aromas of Bing cherry, rose petal and spice tantalize. Middleweight in style, with flavors that replicate the aromas with a dusting of oak. Plush in the mouth, with balanced tannins, and an exceptionally long finish of black cherry goodness. Considerably more giving when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Best to give this beauty another 3 to 5 years in the cellar. Score: 93. Reviewed May 25, 2020

Winery: Privé Vineyard
From article: Recent Pinot Noir Wines I Have Enjoyed