Hamacher Pinot noir offers pure scents of violets, berries, and graham in the glass. On the palate, it is sumptuous and silky. Sweet and field fresh blackberry and black raspberry flavors mingle with rich toasted hazelnut, vanilla, and violet perfume. A fat, sweet mid-palate of juicy berries adds body and fullness. The finish contributes well ripened tannins and hints of appealing cedar and oak toast. - Avalon

"cool and beautifully complex nose of briar, dark berry fruit and a nuance of animale merges into barely medium weight flavors that possess impressive focus and detail on the pure and linear finish. This is not overly deep but I like the sophisticated mouth feel and it's possible that more complexity will arrive with a few years tucked away in the cellar. Drink 2009+" -- Burghound's Allen Meadows

Eric’s Pinot Noirs emphasize his credo of “elegance over power” and are sensuous wines with broad dark notes of earth and spice. On the palate, they are richly-textured with a lingering, satin finish. Each bears Eric’s signature winemaking style of soft tannins and near perfect balance. - the winery

Previous Vintage Tasting Notes

2004 Vintage Tasting Notes Captivatingly complex! A gorgeous nose of fresh cherries and cherry cream soda, with hints of strawberry, earth, and spice. Tons of layered fruit--cherries, strawberries and cream, bits of raspberry and black currant on the finish--is complemented by bright acidity and super-integrated tannins. The finish has great length as whispers of red fruit, cinnamon, and dried thyme echo.

Like the 2002, this is a finesse Pinot, with even more complexity. A May 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir Club selection!

Eric makes remarkable wines. And cellars them for years longer than most Oregon winemakers, resulting in balanced, integrated, ready for primetime Pinot noir upon release.

2003 Vintage Tasting Notes

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
gave the 2003 Hamacher Pinot noi r94 points and said:

"My mouth watered as I pulled in the superb aromas of the 2003 Pinot Noir. A hedonist’s delight, it displays candied cherries, vanilla beans, hints of smoked bacon, ripe black plums, and Asian spices. This wine has unbridled power, massive concentration, sublimely sweet fruit, and awesome richness. Dominated by black cherries and black raspberries, it slathers across the palate in viscous waves, then lingers for 45 seconds or more in the finish. If this decadent wine gains in complexity with time it will be mind-boggling!
Projected maturity: 2007-2015."

Previous vintage tasting notes: Wine Advocate rating 90+ points: "The black fruit and fresh herb-scented wine builds on the palate to reveal loads of black cherreis and blackberries ensconced in considerable quantities of tannin. This wine has impressive depth, concentration, and power, most likely enough to sustain its significant structure. Projected maturity 2008-2015."

Wine Spectator 91 points: "A real attention-grabber. A wash of ripe plum, dried prune, currant and dusky spice flavors weaves a layer of balsamic vinegar through the long, complex finish. Not for all tastes, but it's a keeper. Drink now through 2012. 1,120 cases made." (HS) May 31, 2005

From the winery: "A racy, vibrant wine with bright red fruits underlain by spicy plum and cedar notes. Sweet & supple with a long finish-- will only improve for years to come. "

Tasting notes from Marcus: Kudos to Eric Hamacher--he crafted a 2002 Pinot beauty. With the glass two feet away, you immediately notice the deep ruby color. Deep is a theme with this wine as intense dark cherry aromas burst from the glass, highlighted by dried rose and white flower notes. Focused red and black cherry flavors form a plump core, while Eric's patience is rewarded with impeccably integrated oak. We're still thinking about the finish--it's that long--and the impressive balance that will allow the wine to evolve for several years. This is a must-have for your cellar.