2010 Bethel Heights Estate Casteel Reserve Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.75, 270 cases, $60. A blend of select barrels from several blocks in Estate vineyards and is meant to represent the best expression of the vintage. This is the only Bethel Heights Pinot Noir that carries the Casteel family name rather than a place name. In recent years, more of the chosen barrels have come from the second generation Pinot Noir blocks that are reaching fifteen years of age (The second generation vines and second generation winemaking team is reaching maturity together!). 50% clone 114 planted in 1996, 20% 667 from Justice Vineyard planted in 1999, and 30% from old vine Wädenswil clone planted in 1977. 100% destemmed fruit. Barrel aged 11 months in 60% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Fresh aromas of black cherries, black raspberries, grilled plum and rose petals. Mineralcharged middleweight flavors of red and black stone fruits and berries with beautifully balanced tannins and a refreshing riff of nervy acidity on the finish. Does not have the intense fruit flavors or density of the three block bottlings, but its vibrancy and focus is more reflective of the vintage. Very good. Reviewed January 19, 2013

Winery: Bethel Heights Vineyard
From article: Sips of Oregon Pinot Noir