Joe Dobbes was the first to offer Pinot Noir made entirely from this Dijon clone when he added it to his Dobbes Family Estate portfolio. This 2021, a single vineyard Pinot to boot, was barrel aged for 17 months in French oak, ( 50% new) and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The aroma begins with an earthy, forest floor mushroom note but with aeration, it expands as dark cherry and ripe plum join in. On the palate this Pinot offers a plush, velvety texture and delivers rich but intricate flavors of cherry, a touch of cola and spice in a harmonious, seamless package. The finish is long and smooth with silky tannins but also fans out on the palate and seems to go on and on. An amazing, complete, and complex Pinot. Attractive now, this also has what it takes to age well. 69 cases made.
Iterum Wines, Chehalem Mountains (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir 2021
By Norm Roby