Vino Vasai, Laurelwood District – Chehalem Mountains (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir 2021

 Co-owner Sandy Sanchez, describes the Estate Reserve as their top wine.  Certainly, it’s more concentrated and denser with more apparent oak character compared to their Barrel Select bottling.  At this stage, it’s also has a slighter sweeter profile, presumably from what I assume is more substantial oak aging.  Though denser with darker fruit character, it still weighs in at only 13 percent stated alcohol and remains balanced with a glossy texture.  Judging from the sensational 2019 Estate Reserve, this poised 2021will benefit from a couple of years in the bottle.  That said, it’s hard to resist now with grilled salmon.