94 Points Wine Spectator “Precise, deeply structured yet graceful, with expressive black cherry, river stone and black tea accents that build richness toward refined tannins.”

93 Points James Suckling “Really lovely cherries and brambly raspberries, graphite and red flowers on the nose, leading to a rich and dark, deep, plush and spicy palate that has a very pure core of satiny, silky fruit flavor."

WINEMAKER TASTING NOTES

In the glass, the 2016 Willamette Valley is a focused wine, revealing a darker nose than the previous vintage, with black cherry and plum accented by hints of violet, dried herb and bay laurel. The palate is supported by a backbone of racy acidity which lingers long into the finish, and offers bright red fruit along with savory herbs, olive, and a saline edge. The wine will benefit from decanting in the short-term, and will mature in bottle for 10-15 years.

STATS

• September 5– 20,  2016
• Harvest Brix: 23.4
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• TA: 5.8g/L
• pH: 3.68
• Cooperage:
• 33% new French oak
• 67% neutral oak
• Date bottled: December 7th, 2016
• Cases made: 3,000
• Winemakers:
• Jean-Nicolas Méo
• Tracy Kendall