Lingua Franca, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2016

 Lingua Franca is one of ever-increasing numbers of Oregon wineries that have a French connection.  In this case, Larry Stone, Master Sommelier and wine consultant, purchased a vineyard in 2012 in the Eola-Amity Hills section of the Willamette Valley, originally planning to sell the grapes.  According to their website, Dominque Lafon, a Burgundy superstar, suggested they make wine instead and along with David Honig, Lingua Franca was born. They made the 2016 Avni from a combination of their own fruit and some purchased from neighbors in their not-entirely completed winery.  They clearly overcame whatever the challenges those circumstances posed because the wine is, in a word, delicious.  (And given the prices of domestic Pinot Noir, a bargain.)  Not surprisingly, it has a Burgundian flair to it.  Long and graceful, it is restrained yet mouth-filling with a seamless combination of fruit nuances and herbal savory notes.  I can’t wait to taste future releases from this producer.