Domaine St. Laurent, Rogue Valley (Oregon) Block One Estate Pinot Noir 2022 ($35)

In 2017 Alex St. Laurent and his father, Will, established a 25-acre Pinot Noir vineyard after a ten-year study of the soils and climate. Most of the land which was acquired in the 1980s remains a cattle ranch. As they venture into wine production, the Pinot Noir grown at the high elevation site (1,650 ft) Block #1 leads the way. A blend of three clones, it was aged for 16 months in French oak and is a solid Pinot Noir overall. On the nose it offers plenty of aroma recalling cherry and clove, along with light oak. Medium-bodied with lively, youthful flavors of cherries and forest floor, it finishes with good length and velvety tannins. With short term cellaring, it should come together nicely.
91 Norm Roby