Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2010

It’s perhaps a miracle that this wine got made at all (the year 2010 was not a good growing year in the Willamette Valley of Oregon), but it not only got made, it got made gorgeous.  Black cherry, blue berry and raspberry fruit is layered with sandalwood subtle toast.  Vibrant acidity and polished tannins provide a harmonious structure and lengthy finish.  Dr. Robert Gross and his wife Corrine planted first planted vines in 1978, selling their grapes until they completed a their winery in 1987.  Theirs was one of the first biodynamically farmed vineyards in Oregon.  They also make a traditional-style balsamic vinegar, the process which winemaker Gilles de Domingo insists remain as far away from the winery as possible.