2012 Domaine Serene Jerusalem Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 434 cases, $90. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 47% new. Estate grown, produced and bottled. Vineyard is located in Yamhill County’s Eola-Amity Hills. Assorted clones of Pinot Noir are closely planted in sedimentary soil in an east-facing site located at 200 to 300 feet elevation. · Demure aromas of berry jam, exotic tea and sandalwood need time in the glass to emerge. Darker fruits are featured in a middleweight style including blackberry and black raspberry flavors highlighted by a tug of char-driven oak. This wine has noticeably more tannic grip but it is not overwrought. The finish is particularly memorable in this wine for its extended length and opulence. When tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle, the nose was still shy, but the fruit core was even more giving. A good cellar candidate. Score: 92. Reviewed March 12, 2016

Winery: Domaine Serene
From article: Recent Oregon Pinot Noir Tastings Confirm Consistent Excellence