Made entirely from the estate vineyard, this Pinot comes across as unpretentious—in the good sense of the word. The 2023 growing season in the Rogue Valley started late but was relatively uneventful. From the family’s high elevation vineyard, the Pinot Noir fruit was harvested in early October, and the wine was stainless steel fermented, and aged for nine months in neutral French oak. Once poured, this deeply colored Pinot displays fresh blackberries and light spice, and is round and lively on the palate. The flavors offer youthful raspberry with a touch of earthiness. Approachable now but by no means simple, and definitely not wimpy, this delivers plenty of Pinot personality for the price.
88 Norm Roby
Domaine St. Laurent, Rogue Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2023 ($18)
By Norm Roby
