Illahe Willamette Valley Pinot noir 2011

Review:

This is like a Willamette Valley "country wine." It captures the essence of the Willamette Valley the way a good Sangiovese captures the essence of Tuscany. Brimming with freshness, it opens with aromas of dark cherries and rosemary, then sashays into a sweet-tart interplay of blackberry and black currant, with hints of white pepper. In just a handful of vintages, Illahe has become a go-to Oregon winery. - Marcus

2010 Wine Advocate - 91 points - The Fords’ basic Willamette Valley cuvee of 2010 Pinot Noir is scented and sappily informed by dark berries, licorice, distilled herbal concentrate, toasted nuts, and roasted red meats, all tinged – in a long, vivaciously dynamic finish – with iodine and crushed stone. - David Schildknecht

Floral scents of lavender and rose, with a generous palate of red cherry and strawberry fruit flavors. As the wine breathes, the flavor evolves to include darker fruits in the mix. Blackberries and plum emerge, along with a hint of the Illahe Vineyard's characteristic hint of fresh turned earth. On the finish, hints of clove and cinnamon.

below, Illahe owner Lowell Ford

The 2008 vintage received 92 points from Wine & Spirits Magazine.

below, Illahe harvest 2012