Initially panned as a poor vintage, many wine critics, including myself, were downright incorrect in reviewing the 2011 vintage. What is now in the glass is typically something more linear, earthy and in its best edition, thoroughly intoxicating. It is clear that many of these wines were not ready upon release and needed time to develop in the bottle. I think that 2011 as a vintage, like 2007, is particularly challenging to rate, due to the range of quality in the wines. Originally upon release I saw this vintage as better than most Oregon wine reviewers, rating it 88, as I noted good and even great wines made upon release as well as some lean, bordering watery wines, particularly with some of the value Pinot Noirs that struggled with gaining adequate concentration. I have re-rated this vintage 90 as there are far more wines that are near or exceed 90 points. In fact, I tried a very high concentration of wine that I rated over 90 points.

It is worth noting that when I review Oregon Pinot Noir I do not particularly reward deep and concentrated wines. I feel that a Burgundian style Pinot Noir from Oregon that is complex, layered and shows amazing range has the same potential for a high score than a Pinot Noir that shows marvelous concentration, richness and texture alongside good tension. Obviously with the 2014-16 vintages in Oregon, crafting wines in a Burgundian style is a good deal more challenging than producing wines that show more opulence and ripe fruit.

Oregon Winemakers were typically positive about the 2011 vintage and saw the vintage as one that showed off some beautiful wines, despite obvious challenges with the growing season. Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent fame recently mentioned to me “Despite the latest ever beginning of harvest, the rains stayed away, and we were able to pick fruit with ripe tannins and great acidity, and make wines with less than 12.5% alcohol — essentially wines that will age beautifully.” The talented Tony Rynders of Tendril offered his thoughts on the 2011 vintage, noting “The 2011 was custom made for people that truly love Pinot Noir. While somewhat austere out of the gate, the best wines of the vintage are still vibrant, youthful and complex. And the best is yet to come.” Josh Bergstrom of Bergstrom Wines commented “The common misconception in the wine world is that late and cool vintages often spell disaster. . . the delicious news to report is that the 2011 wines are very high in quality!” Brian Marcy of Big Table Farm had not been living in Oregon long when he came into the 2011 vintage. He commented “2011 was the coolest in 50 years. We picked at the end of October and were sorting fruit on Halloween. I think our wines were received really well. I was excited about the vintage early on and felt like I understood how the fruit had matured. There were some people who had maybe not the same winemaking approach that I had and the wines took longer to come around. We realized that these wines would have some longevity with the acidity and the tannin profile. They are gentle wines given that the Pinots are around 12% alcohol which is about perfect.”

Over the past few months I have been revisiting Pinot Noirs non-blind from the 2011 vintage in Oregon. I have been quite pleased with the results. At their best, these wines are highly compelling and memorable wines that show as well as wines made from any vintage in Oregon. A case in point, the 2011 Domaine Drouhin ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) is a remarkable wine that shows a seamless quality that is remarkably elegant and glides through the mid-palate. With gorgeous range and tension, this wine is a stunning effort. I adored the 2011 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 92) as I had not visited this wine for many years and was really impressed with the minerality and range and focus of the wine. A revisit was necessary for the gorgeous 2011 Beaux Freres ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 92) which improved considerably after some air, revealing gorgeous earthy tones with dark fruits. Archery Summit produced a monumental effort with their 2011 ‘Arcus’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) which was highly Burgundian and complex, giving off lovely earthy tones that made it irresistible. Superstar winemaker, Robert Brittan crafted one of the best of the vintage, his 2011 Brittan Vineyards ‘Gestalt Block’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) which shows marvelous stony and earthy tones, with vibrant minerality and good richness considering the lack of heat during the vintage. While this vintage may not go down as one of Oregon’s finest, such as 2012 or 2014, I think that 2011 Oregon Pinot Noir is not only worth revisiting but worth rethinking as the vintage produced many excellent wines.

A Blooming Hill Vineyard

2011 A Blooming Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Chehalem Mountains AVA, the nose takes on a nice combination of dark and red fruits with lighter earthy tones coming in. Slightly sweet, the palate is a bit out of balance with candied strawberry and guava with light damp earth flavors. Drink 2018-2022- 86

Anam Cara

2011 Anam Cara ‘Mark VI’ Pinot Noir- This Pinot Noir has a kiss of smoke with red fruits and peat moss aromatics. Slightly sweet, this appears to be a touch of out balance, with red fruits most dominant on the palate. Drink 2018-2022- 88

2011 Anam Cara ‘Heather’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The wine shows nice earthy aromatics alongside cran-cherry and citrus rind. The palate shows good acidity with lighter red fruits and citrus tones on the palate. Drink 2018-2022- 89

Archery Summit

2011 Archery Summit ‘Arcus Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2011 ‘Arcus Estate’ by Archery Summit is a stunning wine that shows marvelous range and tension. The wine was aged for 12 months prior to bottling. This shows cran-orange, wet stone, forest floor and spicebox aromatics fill the glass and marvelously amalgamate. The palate shows great mouth-watering acidity which makes it difficult for you to put it down. Blood orange rind, black truffle, red currant, red cherry puree and guava flavors build in the glass. Exceedingly delicious right now, this gorgeous effort will continue to cellar marvelously over the next ten plus years. Drink 2018-2030- 93

Argyle

2011 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, this great Pinot Noir begins with highly complex aromas of spicebox, red currant jelly, wild blackberry and black truffle crudo. The gorgeous aromas bring you back to the glass for more. The palate is silky and elegant, showing cran-cherry, guava, spiced currant and black truffle tones. This shows wonderful Burgundian character. Drink 2018-2028- 92

Ayoub

2011 Ayoub ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Estate’ bottling by superstar winemaker Mo Ayoub was sourced from a host of vineyards in the Willamette Valley. Showing a strong translucence the wine opens with strong earthy tones of peat moss and wet stone, combining with lighter citrus and wild blackberry elements. The palate shows a soft texture, as well as a good viscosity and sense of place, with earthy terroir and red fruit flavors dominating. Drink 2018-2024- 90

Big Table Farm

2011 Big Table Farm ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- This shows a lovely translucence. Right away a melange of red fruits with citrus tones mark the nose. Wild mushroom, forest floor and barnyard aromas combine in the glass. The palate shows a wonderful mouthfeel and richness considering the coldness of the vintage. This has good balance with red cherry puree, blood orange rind, strawberry and minerals mark the palate. Forward and delicious, this is drinking nicely right now. Drink 2018-2024- 91

2011 Big Table Farm ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This shows a slightly muted nose with more earthy tones rather than fruit showing right now. The palate is silky smooth with earthy tones on the palate making their presence known. The richness on the mouth is inviting. Drink 2018-2024- 91

Brittan Vineyards

2011 Brittan Vineyards ‘The Puncheon’ Pinot Noir- ‘The Puncheon’ is a special project wine by Robert Brittan that was aged in French oak puncheons. This smells quite differently than the other Brittan wines with red fruits and high toned citrus blossoms with lighter damp earthy tones that build on the nose. The palate turns a different direction, revealing dark fruits with a striking minerality. The sterling, mouth-watering acidity is simply outstanding, as the volcanic earth element in the wine impresses. This is a gorgeous offering by Brittan Vineyards. Drink 2018-2026- 92

2011 Brittan Vineyards ‘Basalt Block’ Pinot Noir- The 2011 ‘Basalt Block’ Pinot Noir is a stunning wine by superstar winemaker Robert Brittan. On the nose this takes on lovely earthy aromatics with peat moss and wet stone that combine with wild blackberry cordial and a touch of chocolate. The palate is lithe and downright delicious, boasting mouth-watering acidity and a surprising richness. Black fruits combine with lighter citrus tones and peat moss on the palate. This is a gorgeous effort by Brittan. Drink 2018-2026- 92

2011 Brittan Vineyards ‘Gestalt Block’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Gestalt Block’ Pinot Noir by Brittan Vineyards starts off with a highly complex nose of rose petals, white pepper, wet stone, red cherry cordial and wild blackberry puree. The aromatic range is really impressive here. The vibrant minreality to this wine is simply gripping. Wild blackberry, red currant, thyme and peat moss flavors all impress. Intense with bright acidity, this is a stunning aged wine by superstar winemaker Robert Brittan. Drink 2018-2026- 93

Beaux Frères

2011 Beaux Frères ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- Currently a bit muted upon opening, the 2011 Beaux Freres ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir needs more than a one hour decant prior to enjoying at this juncture. Once aroused this awakens to beautiful citrus tones and red fruit aromatics that build in the glass. The palate shows a really good texture and roundness with delicate pomegranate seed, red cherry candy and blood orange flavors that entice. There his a good elegance to this lighter style Pinot Noir. Drinking nicely now, this has another six plus years of life left. Drink 2018-2026- 92

Cathedral Ridge (all wines sourced from Columbia Valley)

2011 Cathedral Ridge ‘Bangsund Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- There is prune and suggestions of sour cherry with cigar shavings on the nose. The palate shows good acidity and medium bodied red fruits flavors. This forward style Pinot Noir is drinking nicely right now. Drink 2018-2022- 88

2011 Cathedral Ridge ‘Bangsund Vineyard Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The Bangsund Vineyard is located 20 minutes east of Hood River. This shows a rich nose of raisin, damp earth, peat moss and and dark cherry cordial. The palate shows some good minerality with red fruits and a touch of dark fruits most prominent. Drink 2018-2022- 89

2011 Cathedral Ridge ‘Dampier’ Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Dampier Vineyard is located in the Underwood Mountain AVA. This shows good brightness with light red fruits, cran-cherry currently most dominant. I like the tension in the wine but it comes off a bit lean. Drink 2018-2022- 89

Carlton Hill

2011 Carlton Hill Pinot Noir- Lightly colored, the wine displays spicy aromatics with red currant and red cherry rounding out the nose. The palate shows good brightness and minerality with delicate red fruits flavors. Drink 2018-2022- 88

2011 Carlton Hill ‘Estate Whole Cluster’ Pinot Noir-This takes on some nice earthy tones with red fruits that mingle on the nose. The palate shows good brightness but does not show a wealth of fruit, with peat moss flavors dominating. Drink 2018-2022- 87

2011 Carlton Hill ‘Estate Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The nose shows some spice with red and dark fruits and a touch of black tea. The palate is lithe but the wine reveals very little fruit, showing some earthy tones. Drink 2018-2022- 88

Chehalem

2011 Chehalem ‘Stoller VIneyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2011 ‘Stoller Vineyard’ Pinot Noir by Chehalem is an excellent showing from this cool vintage in Oregon. This shows nice forest floor and wild mushroom on the nose with blackberry tones and white pepper playing second fiddle. This shows surprising high tones with wild strawberry, guava and cranberry alongside earthy touches on the palate. Drinking beautifully right now, this excellent Pinot Noir wine shows a wonderful brightness and mouth-watering acidity at this juncture. Drink 2018-2026- 91

2011 Chehalem ‘Corral Creek Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This excellent Pinot Noir is sourced from the Chehalem Mountains AVA. This translucent wine begins with aromas of damp earth, red currant jelly and wild blackberry cobbler. The nose shows some nice complexity. Red cherry, red currant cordial and forest floor flavors mingle nicely in the glass. Drink 2018-2024- 90

Coer De Terre Vineyard

2011 Coer De Terre Vineyard ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- This Pinot Noir opens with a bouquet of citrus rind, red currant jelly and smoky undertones with damp earth and peat moss. Light and delicate, but lithe, this showcases red cherry, guava, tangerine rind and earthy tones on the palate. This is showing nicely and is not intended for those who desire more fruit in their Oregon Pinot Noir. Drink 2018-2024- 90

De Ponte

2011 De Ponte ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir- Showing an extremely light color for the AVA, this lighter style Pinot Noir shows off delicate red fruits and toasty oak on the nose with lemon zest undertones. The palate shows a surprisingly ripe mouthfeel, with delicate pomegranate, cherry and tangerine rind flavors with a good minerality. Drink 2018-2024- 89

Domaine Drouhin

2011 Domaine Drouhin ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir- The 2011 Domaine Drouhin ‘Laurene’ is a sensational effort from this cooler vintage in Oregon. This takes on a classic Burgundian nose with forest floor, white truffle oil, red currant puree and suggestions of white pepper. I love the elegance of this wine aromatically. The mouthfeel and texture to this wine screams elegance, as it is surprising that they were able to attain this level of concentration despite the coldness of the vintage. Red cherry puree, damp earth, cran-raspberry and orange zest flavors marvelously combine. Elegant and esteemed, this is a stunning effort by Domaine Drouhin that will cellar marvelously over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028- 94

Domaine Serene

2011 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Pinot Noir- This my first visit to this wine for several years. The 2011 ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Pinot Noir was aged in French oak for 13 months prior to bottling in April 2013. Needing more than an hour decant to fully develop, the wine takes on some toasty oak aromatic character with a nice combination of red and dark fruits on the nose, alongside lighter forest floor tones. I really admire this nose. The mouthfeel is quite generous as the wine still reveals light tannins. Red currant jelly, red raspberry cordial, black tea and peat moss flavors all beautifully mingle. This elegant Pinot Noir has evolved beautifully and still has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2018-2026- 92

Evening Land

2011 Evening Land ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Showing some good acidity and weight, the wine shows off beautiful dark fruits with a touch of citrus rind and forest floor on the palate. While this is drinking marvelously right now, it is best enjoyed in the short-term while the acidity remains. Drink 2018-2024- 90

Forris

2011 Forris ‘Maple Ranch’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Rogue Valley, this wine begins with volcanic earth, dark cherry and citrus rind aromatics that entice. I like the sense of balance to this wine once in the mouth. Wild blackberry, wet stone, black tea and cran-cherry flavors all come together nicely, adding a good sense of place to this excellent Pinot Noir. This is a really excellent effort by Forris. Drink 2018-2024- 90

King Estate

2011 King Estate Pinot Noir- I am very impressed with King Estate’s entry level wine from 2011. The aromas are really enticing here with lovely citrus tones with red fruits and earthy undertones. The palate is quite impressive that has surprising weight considering the heat of the vintage. Red currant jelly, orange rind, strawberry pie and cigar ash flavors all mingle in the glass. This shows some impressive astringency and a long finish. King Estate has crafted a really good value wine here. Revisiting this wine after several hours, I see this wine showing similarly good. While it is drinking very nicely right now, this should cellar for at least six more years. Drink 2018-2024- 90

2011 King Estate ‘Croft Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Croft Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows a darker color than the King Estate entry level Pinot Noir. On the nose there are dark fruits with blackberry most prominent alongside black truffle crudo and peat moss on the nose. The mouthfeel is gorgeous here with blackberry pie, white pepper, wild mushroom and a touch of cocoa powder on the palate. This great wine is drinking nicely right now and should cellar well for another six plus years. Drink 2018-2026- 91

Kramer Vineyards

2011 Kramer Vineyards ‘Rebecca’s Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2011 ‘Rebecca’s Reserve’ Pinot Noir shows nicely on the nose with white pepper, black truffle and forest floor alongside some wild blackberry. The palate shows a beautiful mouthfeel revealing a degree of decadence. Cran-cherry, citrus rind, black truffle, crushed mint and forest floor flavors all mingle in the glass. This is showing marvelously right now. This is a complete Pinot Noir, a sensational effort by Kramer Vineyards and the talented Kim Kramer. Drink 2018-2026- 91

2011 Kramer Vineyards ‘Cardiac Hill’ Pinot Noir- Comprised of Pommard and Dijon Clone 115 Pinot Noir, this excellent bottling starts off with a bouquet of white pepper and cardamon with red fruits and lighter earthy tones. The range on the nose really entices. Once in the mouth the wine shows a silky mouthfeel with red currant, red cherry cordial, allspice and orange peel flavors. This is beautifully made Pinot Noir with a strong mineral streak. Showing well right now, enjoy this over the next six plus years. Drink 2018-2026- 90

2011 Kramer Vineyard ‘Heritage’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Heritage’ Pinot Noir by Kramer Vineyards begins with aromas of spicebox, white pepper, red currant and forest floor that build in the glass. This shows a wonderfully plush texture with white pepper, orange zest, cran-raspberry, forest floor and a touch of wild blackberry. This complex Pinot Noir is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2018-2024- 90

Lange

2011 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- This 25th vintage commemorative ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir wine was made by both Don and Jesse Lange. The wine needs a one hour decant prior to enjoying to show its fully aromatic spectrum. Once aroused the nose shows really good earthy tones with sage, black truffle and peat moss mingling with wild blackberry and white pepper undertones. The palate shows good viscosity considering the heat of the vintage. Chewy dark fruits collide with forest floor, wild mushroom and blood orange zest flavors on the palate. Finishing strong with a good mineality, this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2018-2026- 90

2011 Lange ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir is another excellent bottling by Lange. The nose shows wonderful funk with earthy tones dominating and citrus rind and red raspberry cordial playing second fiddle on the nose. The palate shows a silky texture and really good mouthfeel. The earthy aspects lessen on the palate with red cherry candy, cigar box and blood orange flavors rounding out this excellent wine. Drink 2018-2026- 90

Maysara

2011 Maysara ‘Cyrus’ Pinot Noir- The 2011 ‘Cyrus’ shows a nice translucency and delightful red fruits on the nose with a touch of cinnamon spice. There is a good sense of tension as this medium-bodied wine shows red currant, cran-cherry and orange rind flavors that connect to the minerality. With good astringency, and a lingering finish, this still has a long life in the cellar. This is pretty exciting and energetic wine right now. Drink 2018-2026- 91

2011 Maysara ‘Asha’ Pinot Noir- The 2011 ‘Asha’ Pinot Noir is currently displaying wonderful dark fruit on the nose with spicy red fruits mingling in. Medium bodied, this shows marvelous minerality and lip-smacking acidity as red currant, wild blackberry cordial and crushed mint flavors all come together. This still has a long life as well. Drink 2018-2026- 91

Panther Creek

2011 Panther Creek ‘Winemaker’s Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- The 2011 ‘Winemaker’s Cuvee’ by Panther Creek needs more than an hour of air to develop. Once aroused the wine shows pretty red fruits with floral and citrus tones on the nose. I am surprised by the level of minerality to this wine which is quite striking and adds to the mouthfeel. Red cherry candy, guava and citrus rind flavors all come together nicely. This lithe and polished effort is drinking better than when I first reviewed it. Drink 2018-2026- 90

2011 Panther Creek ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2011 Panther Creek ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a really good effort. Similar to the ‘Winemaker’s Cuvee’ the wine improves following a one hour decant. The Pinot Noir takes on a highly Burgundian nose with orange rind and heavy forest floor elements aromatically. Bright, showing a soft mouthfeel, the wine shows off red currant, blood orange and mouth-watering acidity on the mid-palate. This is evolving quite nicely and still has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2018-2026- 91

Raptor Ridge

2011 Raptor Ridge ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- Located in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, this excellent Pinot Noir shows lively cola, dark cherry and peat moss aromatics. The palate is juicy with good acidity and shows nice blood orange, rose water, wild blackberry and peat moss flavors. Drink 2018-2024- 89

2011 Raptor Ridge ‘Olenik Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The dark color draws you into this Chehalem Mountain AVA wine. The nose shows lighter dark fruits with toasty oak and peat moss. I like the combination of minerality, red fruits and citrus flavors that build in the glass. This is pretty terrific wine right now but this still has another six plus years of cellaring. Drink 2018-2024- 90

2011 Raptor Ridge ‘Goodrich Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This beautiful Yamhill-Carlton AVA bottling starts with white pepper, wild blackberry cordial and peat moss that build on the nose. The palate is bright and highly astringent with red currant, red cherry candy and lighter earthy undertones on the palate. I really like how this beautiful wine is showing right now. Drink 2018-2026- 90

2011 Raptor Ridge ‘Trig’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Trig’ Pinot Noir is my favorite of these 2011 bottling by Raptor Ridge and was sourced from both the Olenik and Goodrich Vineyards. The wine begins with aromatics of cran-cherry, thyme, peat moss and wild blackberry cordial. On the palate this shows a soft texture that races slightly ahead of the other 2011 Raptor Ridge Pinots. Red and dark fruits dance with a beautiful tension on the palate, with peat moss undertones. Drink 2018-2026- 91

St. Innocent

2011 St. Innocent ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Shea Vineyard is a famed Yamhill-Carlton AVA property managed by Dick Shea. This awesome Pinot Noir was aged for 16 months in French oak prior to bottling. This wine takes on some nice earthy tones with forest floor, black truffle crudo and blackberry jam on the nose. The palate shows good freshness and intensity. Highly Burgundian and light on its feet, this reveals black raspberry and black cherry, with earthy flavors releasing the most power. Funky and enticing, this is an outstanding effort that appears to be drinking at its peak. Drink 2018-2024- 92

2011 St. Innocent ‘Zenith Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Zenith Vineyard is St. Innocent’s estate vineyard, located eleven miles northwest of Salem, Oregon. This 2011 Pinot Noir shows wonderful forest floor and wet stone character on the nose with blood orange rind, cran-cherry and cigar ash also coming in aromatically. The aromatic range is seriously good right now. The palate is silky smooth right now as the mouthfeel entices. The richness reminds me more of a 2012 bottling as there is a seamless quality to the wine that grips you. Red and dark fruits weave together, with also citrus and earthy tones quite primary. Downright delicious, this is a stunning bottling by eminent winemaker, Mark Vlossak. Drink 2018-2028- 93

Stag Hollow

2011 Stag Hollow ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir- The 2011 ‘Yamhill-Carlton- Pinot Noir is a sensational value wine made from this cooler vintage in Oregon. The nose is really fantastic here with lovely terroir and a good combination of red and dark fruits. This Pinot Noir shows nice minerality once on the attack with cran-cherry, red currant and red cherry with lighter earthy tones. This shows beautiful balance as this is a seriously good entry level Pinot Noir and is a downright steal at its price. Drink 2018-2024- 90

2011 Stag Hollow ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- This ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir shows a beautiful nose of rose petals, red cherry syrup, plum and spice box aromas. The mouthfeel is simply sumptuous with good minerality. Red cherry candy, guava, black tea and forest floor flavors all impress. This is a stunner by Stag Hollow and the talented winemaker Mark Huff. Drink 2018-2026- 91

2011 Stag Hollow ‘Vendage Selection’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Vendage Selection’ Pinot Noir is a barrel selection wine made by the talented Mark Huff. The nose here is really powerful and shows a marvelous combination of earthy tones, red fruits and dark fruits with a touch of red rose petal. This has a vibrant verve and tension despite its age. The palate reveals a touch of citrus rind with boysenberry, cocoa powder, white pepper and white truffle flavors. The exceedingly long finish lingers. While this is drinking very nicely now, this still has a lot of life left. Drink 2018-2026- 91

Tendril

2011 Tendril Pinot Noir- Translucent in color, this shows an aromatic profile of dried red cherry, tobacco leaf, and red currant jelly. The palate plays off almost exactly the same way, showing largely red fruits with some lighter citrus and earthy components. I like the sense of balance here, as the bright acidity moves this nicely through the mid-palate. As far as entry level wines go, this is a pretty killer Oregon Pinot Noir. Drink 2018-2024- 90

2011 Tendril ‘Tight Ripe’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Tight Rope’ is a barrel selection made by superstar winemaker, Tony Rynders. Needing an hour in the decanter to fully develop. Once aroused, this shows bright red fruits with orange rind and peat moss aromatics that build in the glass. The palate has good mid-palate richness and a smooth texture. Red fruits and dark fruits mingle nicely, with lighter forest floor undertones playing second fiddle. This is an outstanding wine that has evolved very nicely but still has eight plus years of life left in it. Drink 2018-2026- 91

2011 Tendril ‘C Note’ Pinot Noir- Undergoing full whole cluster fermentation, the 2011 ‘C Note’ begins with aromas of cigar ash, wild blackberry and cinnamon. The palate is smooth, revealing some good acidity and a silky mouthfeel with fine tannins. Dark fruits and forest floor flavors dominate with black truffle crudo also showing nicely. Only 50 cases made of this great wine. Drink 2018-2026- 91

Utopia

2011 Utopia ‘Clone 777’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Ribbon Ridge AVA, this translucent Pinot Noir opens with a bouquet of smoke, black tea and earthy tones. The palate shows a nice combination of red fruit and citrus tones with earthy elements connecting nicely. Drink 2018-2024- 89

2011 Utopia ‘Paradise Estate Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Paradise Estate Reeserve’ Pinot Noir is a seriously good effort in this cold vintage. The wine starts off with aromas of black tea, black truffle crudo and peat moss that are delightfully earthy. The palate has a silky texture and lithe minerality. Red and dark fruits mingle with the minerals and forest floor tones, leading to a bright finish with mouthwatering acidity. This is showing brilliantly right now and can cellar for another five to seven years. Drink 2018-2024- 91

Youngsberg Hill

2011 Youngsberg Hill ‘Natasha’ Pinot Noir- The 2011 ‘Natasha’ Pinot Noir is a really good effort from this vintage. This translucent colored Pinot Noir starts off showing good earthy tones on the nose with wild mushroom, citrus rind and red cherry candy. The palate is lean and focused, with mouth-watering acidity. The brightness really shines in the wine with citrus and delicate red fruits lingering on the palate. This is highly Burgundian and still has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2018-2028- 90

Winter’s Hill

2011 Winter’s Hill Pinot Noir- Showing soft red fruits on the nose, with citrus tones, this is well-made wine is slightly out of balance on the palate with citrus rind and cranberry showing most dominantly on the palate. Highly astringent, this finishes with some good acidity. Drink 2018-2022- 86