The plush and velvety character of the 2012 Oregon harvest is clearly evident in this bottling. It bursts with ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit scents underscored by raspberry, lilac, vanilla, smoke and baking spice nuances. Even though the fleshy ripeness of the vintage shows, the wine is remarkable for its purity of fruit. Layers of juicy, ripe cherry and blackberry fruits are enhanced by a creamy texture and hints of cocoa, vanilla, lilac and allspice. It is a complex and generous Pinot Noir that will appeal to a wide range of wine drinkers. Enjoy it with most anything off the grill, from salmon to steaks to zucchini. It will provide great pleasure for another 3 to 5 years.
Chehalem Winery, Chehalem Mountains (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir 2012
By Wayne Belding