Iris Vineyards, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2020

I tasted and was enthralled by this Pinot Noir before I knew its price.  After I saw the price, my enthusiasm exploded.  It is rare to find a Pinot Noir with this kind of charm and subtlety for less than 25 bucks.  It has the alluring, and sometimes hard to find, combination of delicate red fruit flavors and mushroomy savory ones.  Mid-weight, even bordering on delicate, it has the Burgundian sensibility of what I call “flavor without weight.”  Polished and refined tannins give support without being intrusive.  An ideal choice with grilled salmon, bluefish, or chicken in a mushroom sauce.  I can’t resist — you would be wise to keep an eye out for this one.