Grown on the estate and made by veteran consulting winemaker, Rich Cushman, this Oregon Pinot has its own subtle but distinct personality. It is not, in other words, a Willamette Valley wanna-be. On the nose it shows plum and pomegranate aromas with secondary notes of earth and dried mushroom. On the plate it comes alive with ripe plum presented in a plush, slightly velvety package. The pleasing youthful finish again emphasizes earthy notes along with refined tannins. Youthfully closed-in, it should be decanted now. And it will be interesting to taste after a few years of bottle age.
Mt. Hood Winery, Columbia Gorge (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2019
By Norm Roby