Appassionata, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2019

 When I first tasted this wine from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, I was surprised at how lean it is in the mouth; not a complaint — just an observation.  When I discovered that the wine was created by Ernst Loosen of German wine fame it all made sense.   Seventy percent of the grapes were grown in the Chehalem Mountains where elevation and rainfall create growing conditions that are responsible for aromas and flavors of strawberry raspberries and cranberries.  Thirty percent were grown in the warmer Dundee Hills with more black cherry and plum.  The result is a young, vibrant wine with a melange of light strawberry, raspberry flavors intensified by chiseled acidity.   Serve it lightly chilled with fresh tuna or chicken salad.  It has the structure and freshness to continue to develop in the bottle for years.