- 2006 Chehalem Pinot Noir 3 Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (7/9/2008)
The color is a dark brick red. The aroma is big from the glass, a little hedonistic, so this wine not be your favorite is you like a little more restraint from Pinot. Now trust me, this is not MGM Grand CA Pinot, but it's not a restrained Vosne either. I think this is a good thing, because it definetly shows its terroir, neither Cal, nor Burgundy, but a combination of the two, with its own unique signature thrown in. At first, it seemed a little too simple, dark cherry fruit and morning bakery spice in the aroma. Then, a hint of the animal side of Pinot starts to come through. Just enough complexity to boost it out of the 89 range. Not overstuffed, a nice vine ripe, but not jammy, strawberry finish. As the wine warms up to room temperature, I notice a little EtOH in the wine, which detracts from it's balance and smoothness. I see that it is 14.8%ABV, big for Oregon compared to 10 years ago. Climate change is probably a factor. Put the wine in the frige to chill it a bit for best results. drink now.-2011. (90 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker