A recent trip to Oregon uncovered a treasure trove of more than just Pinot Noir, and I’m thrilled to recommend this new discovery with a big score. It shows depth and palate weight, and still needs some time to fully integrate, but it’s definitely headed in a great direction. Toast, dry citrus, tart apple and stony mineral aromas and flavors present in bold, bone dry style, but with richness and a long stony, toasty finish that will lengthen with some bottle age. UPDATE: I poured this again after it sat open in the ice bucket for 24 hours, and it was even better, with the fine mousse just pumping away. I don’t feel that I’m going out on a limb when I say that this compares favorably with Krug Grand Cuvée. Take that!
Lytle-Barnett, Willamette Valley (Oregon) 2015
By Rich Cook