This small batch Pinot Noir is from 2 neighboring vineyards located in the center of the Eola Hills. Seen as “the sweet spot” by veteran winemaker Joe Dobbes, the “Bench” is on the western slope of the Eola Hills. A blend of three clones (114,115 and 667), this wine was fermented by native yeasts after a 6-day cold soak, and was barrel aged for 17 months in 33% new French oak. Stylistically, this Pinot leans toward a bright, lively fruit character. The bouquet offers a perfume of black cherries with touches of cloves and light oak vanilla. Supple and velvety on the palate, it delivers pure Pinot flavors of berries and cherries that play off the velvety tannins and oak. Beautifully balanced and finishing long, it is ready now, but it will age nicely. Bottled without fining or filtering. 76 cases made.
Iterum, Eola-Amity Hills (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir 2021
By Norm Roby