Review:
From Ransom, Tad's popular "daily drinker".
All of the pieces of the Willamette Valley puzzle fit seamlessly together in the 2010 Jigsaw. A scent of red cherry and wild rose moves effortlessly into a palate of lively acidity and fine river stone tannins, accentuated by lush flavors of crushed raspberry and hibiscus. The wine finishes long and supple with a breath of clover blossom and sweet earth.
Vineyard Sources: Temperance Hill (Certified Organic), JMD (Certified Organic), Cattrall (Certified Organic), Zielinski, Johan (Certified Biodynamic), Greyhorse, and Hauer of the Dauen complete the puzzle.
2009 Vintage
Aromas of red raspberry and red currant followed with flavors of violets, dates and anise. The lush palate is finely structured with velvety tannins. The finish is long and quite pleasing.
2008 Vintage Tasting Notes
Featured in the "MIX" Magazine from the Oregonian, October 2010:
"Let's face it: Pinot noir makes us hungry. [Mix tasting panel member, Ted] Farthing, an occasional bird hunter, was licking his lips for some upland game - grouse, chukar, Hungarian partridge - when he got a whiff off this one. [Nicolas] Quille deemed its earthy quality "Beaujolais-like" and wondered how it would pair with couscous. [Grant] Butler was envisioning hearty autumn stews, and maybe even chili.
I couldn't get enough of the Jigsaw's silky mouth feel and the array of spices (cardamom, cinnamon, coriander and nutmeg) that wrapped up the piquant finish. Jigsaw is the second label from Ransom, the Sheridan winery that doubles as a top-tier artisanal distillery. Judging from owner Tad Seestedt's way with wine, we might suggest that some other local liquor producers try their hands at pinot noir." - Katherine Cole, Mix (October, 2010)
Bright red cherries and crushed blueberries with a hint sanguine minerality on the nose. The black and red fruits softly cover the palate with gentle hints of iron and mineral towards the finish. A medium long finish that ends with plums and hints of an earthy terroir. - the winery
Vineyard Sources: Temperance Hill (Eola Hills), JMD (Eola Hills), Cattrall, Zielinski (Eola Hills), North Ridge (Salem), Coelho (Coastal Flats), several other vineyards throughout Oregon that complete the puzzle.
The Winery Says: The Jigsaw style can be described as cerebral punk. We want aggressive aromas of red fruits, flowers and spice. The flavors should be intense and rich with a juicy mouth feel and supple texture. But balance is key. There must be harmony of ripe fruit, refreshing acidity and supportive tannins. We strive for complexity, layers of flavor and a long finish every vintage.
This style lends itself for drinking with a wide variety of cuisine. Pinot Noir can be one of the most versatile red wines with food. Some of our favorite pairings include grilled fish with fresh herbs, paella, wild mushrooms, meatloaf, anything braised or wrapped in bacon, as well as Thai and Indian takeout.
2006 Vintage Tasting Notes
A screaming deal from small McMinnville-based Ransom Wine. Fresh-picked raspberries and a hint of strawberry ooze from the glass, with nuances of spicy dried herbs. Not to repeat ourselves, but this is another one of those super silky, young 2006 Pinots that have us chomping for more.