Big and rich with earth and deep bing cherry notes on the nose and palette. Fruit begins light and then builds on the mid palette and finishes with a big earthy punch. Well balanced with a slight rosemary and savory element. Tannins are becoming integrated but could benefit from a bit more time or paired with food like beef and roasted tomato kebabs.- Avalon tasting notes
Detailed Info, Previous Vintage Notes, Reviews:
Andrew on the 2005 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley: "I would rank the 2005 vintage right up there with 1999 and 2002 as among my best to date. Cooler weather along with some showers at harvest gave us balanced, elegant wines with sane alcohols (13.5 on average) and good acidity. There is a marvelous purity of fruit, both in the nose and on the palate, and just enough new oak to frame the wine without overwhelming it. Bottled at the beginning of February 2007, the Pinot is still a tad reserved. It will benefit from a further 6 months in bottle and should age well in a cool cellar for 5 to 7 years."
Prior vintage notes
Lovely. We tasted this wine with several $40+ Pinots and it came out on top, for our taste buds.
The nose has creamy red fruit and cherry liqueur mingled with toasted coffee bean and dried rose petal. Flavors are silky and seductive: red cherry, dried red cherry, a tiny hint of cranberry, and a nice acidity that keeps flavors lively The finish features very fine tannins, a medium long finish that reiterates the toasted coffee bean, bittersweet chocolate, red raspberry, dried red cherry, and dried rose petal, with a hint of herbal/spice of white pepper and wild mint.
A perfect mesh of depth of flavor and a lifting fruity acidity the finish has a nice hint of spice, fresh fruit, and fresh white pepper that dance on the palate. It's ready to drink but will lay down for 4-8 years.
Highly recommended.
