Red Hills Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2017

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Willamette Valley

Varietal Pinot Noir

Retail Price $55

ABV 14.1%

Score 4 Stars/93 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, deep ruby color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and forest floor with supporting notes of raspberry, hibiscus flower, and black tea.

Flavor

The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red plum, red currant, earth, cranberry, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins.

Intensity & Texture

Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture.

Cool Factor

We love an expertly crafted, small-batch (just 175 cases made), Pinot Noir with style, depth, and complexity.

Value Grade

This won't make anyone's bargain list but it's a damn fine bottle of wine from a producer that we are getting to know. Considering the rarity and the quality we find this Pinot to be a reasonable bargain.

Analysis

This is the second vintage of the Red Hills Cellars Pinot Noir that we have reviewed and we sense a trend of excellence. The fruit for this delicious Pinot Noir was sourced entirely from Oregon's Willamette Valley. It was rested in French oak barrels (39% new barrels) for a period of 17 months and then rested in bottle for an additional year before its release in May of 2020. The oak accents help provide structure and a bit of spice but it does not intrude on the complex fruit-driven flavors found in this wine. Drink now or cellar for five years if you are patient.

How to Enjoy

You can enjoy with nothing but a glass but this wine begs for food — beef carpaccio or seared duck breast would be great pairings.