2011 Solená Grand Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 5,300 cases, $25. Released July 2012. Grapes were combined from a variety of Willamette Valley appellations. Yield 2.8 tons per acre, harvest Brix 23.0º. 100% de-stemmed, 26 days of skin contact, aged 8 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The fruit-driven nose features aromas of blackberries and boysenberries. Moderately rich, dense, and very soft on the palate with appealing flavors of black cherry and dark red and purple berries with an echo of spice and oak in the background. The tannins are firmly defined and slightly astringent on the crisp finish. A direct, fruit-driven wine. Score: 87. Reviewed December 18, 2013

Winery: Soléna Estate
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir