A big, earth driven Pinot Noir with layered acidic structure and a firm grip at present, but one that will calm down and integrate into beautifully complex wine with some additional bottle age. Black cherry and some white pepper join damp earth and a touch of stemminess in aroma and flavor, with a long finish that currently focuses on the pepper element. Give it a long decant now, or give it five years in your cellar.
St. Innocent, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2012
By Rich Cook