Warming Winter Reds Wine #4 - Adelsheim Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

100% Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, Oregon. (55% from the Chehalem Mountains and Ribbon Ridge AVAs, 16% from Yamhill Carlton, 22% from the Eola-Amity Hills, 3% from the Dundee Hills and 6% from non-estate vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley.) Aged in small French oak barrels (24% new) for 10 months.

Sample submitted for review. Available for as low as $22.99.

From the bottle:

"This classic Pinot Noir pays homage to the northern Willamette Valley. It embodies the region's signature style -- intense fresh fruit aromas, a backbone of acidity, and a silky smooth texture, rich almost to the point of sweetness. While this wine can be aged for many years, it can also be enjoyed tonight with a fine meal.

13.5% Alcohol"

The 2012 Adelsheim Willamette Valley Pinot Noir begins with a very pleasant aroma of cherry cola tinged with baking spice and a bit of an earthy note along with a hint of rose petals. Tasting the wine reveals a berry fruit explosion of ripe juicy fruit -- black cherry, cranberry, maraschino cherry and blackberry all combine wonderfully in the mouth. Touches of baking spice and balsamic lead into the dry very long finish. With good balance and good acidity this is a very drinkable and satisfying wine that is great on its own or with food. As it lingers you also get hints of dark chocolate. While I don't have it often, I couldn't help but think this would pair marvelously with Peking Duck.

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

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