Brooks Winery Pinot noir "Janus" 09

Aromas of black cherry, raspberry and blackberry followed by spice, black currant and a light smokiness. The flavors include cherry and blackberry, baking spice and wet stone. Approachable now or cellar for enjoyment later.

2008 Vintage Tasting Notes

2008 Tanzer - 92 points - Bright ruby. Intense perfume evokes raspberry, candied cherry, potpourri and musky herbs. Sweet and silky in texture, with nervy bite to its red fruit flavors and a deeper licorice quality on the back half. A floral note adds complexity to the sappy, gently tannic finish, which clings with impressive tenacity. This is lovely now but has the balance to age. - Josh Raynolds

Aromas of dark cherry and loamy earth with notes of violets and orange blossoms. Flavors of dark fruit, blackberry and black raspberry and excellent balance of tannins and acids. This is a full-bodied wine that is ready to drink now but will cellar for three to four years and be well worth the wait.

In Roman mythology, Janus is the God for new beginnings, as well as endings, the future, the past and doorways. Janus is the God of balance. The ultimate expression of Pinot Noir! Janus is our flagship... the richest, most vibrant and intense blend that we produce. - the winery

Previous Vintage Tasting Notes

Brooks Winery Pinot noir "Janus" 07 -

This wine has beautiful, perfect Pinot Noir color, clear and transparent burgundy red from the center to the rim. When first poured mouthwatering fresh aromatics of bing cherries, ripe raspberries, red currents, wet stones, minerals, tobacco, violets and sage jump from the glass. Over time the wine opens and deepens revealing notes of clean earth, bread dough, cloves, cinnamon and walnut skin.

Clearly focused and complex, the aromas of the wine herald a wine that is truly classic Oregon Pinot noir. In the mouth, the attack opens with juicy red fruit flavors and beautifully ripe acidity. The juiciness, focus and freshness of the wine continue through the mid-palate and transform into elegant and beautiful waves of earth and fruit. Ripe tannins and a succulent texture also help the wine along and give it more definition into the long finish. The finish is clean, very very long and focused.

Although the 2007 Janus is drinking well now, it has the focus, balance and intensity to age and become more complex over the next 15 years. Beautiful. - the winery

Previous Vintage Tasting Notes

2006 Vintage Tasting Notes

The Brooks Winery Pinot noir "Janus" 06 is forward and silky but elegant, with spice and briar-laden mixed blackberry and dark raspberry with subtle earth and red cherry. Similar in style to the 2004, with more delicious coffee aromas and a lingering toasty note.

BURGHOUND 91 POINTS:"A serious and brooding nose features freshly crushed wild berry, under brush and earth notes that also characterize the rich, full and ripe medium+ weight flavors that offer good depth --- Delicious and ageworthy. Definitely worth a look."