2012 Le Cadeau Vineyard Merci Reserve Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 95 cases, $80. Release December 2014. The finest barrels from the vintage crafted in tiny quantity. Three heritage selections. Winemaker is Jim Sanders and growers and owners are Deb and Tom Mortimer. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Exotic aromas elevate the nose including black cherry, Asian 5-spice, incense and smoke. Full-bodied core of delicious spiced black cherry and blackberry flavors that are intense and persistent. There is plenty of smoky oak on board ala Henri Jayer. The mouthfeel is polished and the finish is a joyous celebration of fruit and lip smacking acidity. A very unique wine, but the oak plays too great a role for me personally. Score: 90. Reviewed November 19, 2014

Winery: Le Cadeau Vineyard
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir