Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Red Hills Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2017

Product Story

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.

Brand Story

In 2016 Todd Kangiser, and his wife Jackie Crawford, founded Red Hills Cellars. Both are service providers to the Oregon wine industry and wanted to not only produce their own wine, but to further understand the challenges that their clients dealt with every day. First teaming with famed winemaker Tony Rynders to produce small batch, high quality Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, they have now migrated south to the Rogue Valley where they are sourcing top quality fruit and starting to produce varietals like Grenache, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and forest floor with supporting notes of raspberry, hibiscus flower, and black tea. 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. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture.

How to Serve

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

Price: $ 55

BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=3999