What was considered by most to be a hallmark vintage, 2012 in Oregon was the calm which came after the storm of the cold and challenging 2011 vintage. Talking with winemaker Tony Rynders, he mentioned how these wines needed a bit of time to fully evolve into something special. I noticed that when I tried these upon release, that many of the 2012 Oregon Pinot Noirs were quite reticent both with their aromas and flavors. The wines had the stuffing and potential, but many just needed time to evolve.
I fondly recall speaking with the talented Brian Marcy of Big Table Farm about his 2012 wines and he also agreed that his 2012 wines were excellent upon release but improved with some time. There were several wines from this report that I rated 95 points and higher, including two wines from Big Table Farm, their marvelously earthy ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ and their seamless ‘Cattrall Vineyard’ Pinot Noirs. While quite different, these both share a deep core and a silky texture that entices. Releases by Domaine Drouhin and Domaine Serene also held their seats at the high table with the stunning 2012 Domaine Drouhin ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 95), the 2012 Domane Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 95) as well as the highest scoring wine from this report (and one of the top Oregon wines that I have sampled in the past year), the magical 2012 Domaine Serene ‘Grace Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 96). Finally, James Frey has quietly been producing some scintillating bottlings, and his 2012 Trisaetum ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 95) is a barrel select Pinot Noir that is the best wine that I have ever had from his estate.
I believe this to be the most comprehensive 2012 Oregon Pinot Noir retrospective that has ever been published. The 2012 Oregon Pinot Noirs are really starting to hit their stride, as lighter tertiary notes are settling into the deep core of red and dark fruits. For those who have these beautiful wines in their cellars, do not be afraid to open these glorious Pinot Noir wines. Here are the top wines from my 2012 Oregon Pinot Noir Retrospective.
Big Table Farm
2012 Big Table Farm ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir-The 2012 Big Table Farm ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir opens with lovely earthy tones that collide with red currants and shades of Satsuma orange rind that all mingle together in the glass. The texture imparted is simply fantastic as bright red fruits dance with minerals and lighter wild mushroom tones. The silky texture is really impressive. It is hard to believe that this is only their entry level wine. Drink 2019-2029- 93
2012 Big Table Farm ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir-The 2012 ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a magical effort by superstar winemaker Brian Marcy. The earthy tones are gorgeous on the nose as bright cran-cherry, cigar ash, peat moss and shades of black truffle crudo enter the fray. The mouthfeel is soft, inviting and generous, creating a seamless quality that makes this effortlessly glide across the mid-palate. Copious dark and red fruits dance with the earthy and citrus rind tones on the palate. Given more air the wine becomes even more silky. This is simply sensational stuff that has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2019-2033- 95
2012 Big Table Farm ‘Cattrall Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 ‘Cattrall Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a scintillating wine at the seven year mark. The earthy aromatic tones aromatically really captivate the senses and bring you back to the glass for more hedonistic delight. The silky texture creates a seamless quality in the wine, as the near-minute long finish completes this absolutely thrilling 2012 Pinot Noir. Drink 2019-2035- 95
Brittan Vineyards
2012 Brittan Vineyards ‘Basalt Block’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 Brittan Vineyards ‘Gestalt Block’ Pinot Noir is a simply outstanding effort by the talented Robert Brittan. Grapes for this wine were sourced from their estate vineyard on the edge of the costal range in the McMinnville AVA. The nose takes on sultry wet sone with dried herbs, kirsch and shades of damp earth that all align nicely in the glass. Rich, with a silky texture, the palate unveils ripe pomegranate seeds, with suggestions of black truffle and wild blackberry compote that mingle with the bright sense of minerality. This still has more than a decade to go. Drink 2019-2032- 93
Chehalem
2012 Chehalem ‘Ridgecrest Vineyards Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 Chehalem ‘Ridgecrest Vineyards Reserve’ is a gorgeous bottling sourced from the Ribbon Ridge AVA in the Willamette Valley. Quite dark in the glass, the wine opens with dark kirsch with cigar box and wild mushroom aromas that meld in the together marvelously. The palate reveals not only great weight but bright and juicy red and dark fruits with suggestions of cinnamon sticks, cardamom and peat moss. This is complex and delicious stuff at the seven year mark, as this outstanding Pinot Noir will age brilliantly for at least another decade. Drink 2019-2029- 93
Cristom
2012 Cristom ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a stunning wine at now seven years of age.. The nose shines brightly with teaberry that mingles with cinnamon, clove and peat moss undertones that all settle together in the glass. The texture is really fantastic here as you are greeted with mouth-watering acidity. Black and red fruits collide with lovely citrus rind and peat moss tones on the palate. This is absolutely fantastic now and will continue to build for the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 93
2012 Cristom ‘Louise Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 ‘Louise Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is showing magically at seven years of age. On the nose this shows off wonderful damp terroir tones with shades of cran-orange and forest floor that all entice. The texture imparts a seamless quality to the wine. There is also a light beam of salinity that runs through the wine as bright strawberry and guava flavors mingle with citrus zest and shades of wild mushroom. Showing some insanely good range, this beautiful wine has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2019-2032- 93
2012 Cristom ‘Signature Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 Cristom ‘Signature Cuvee’ Pinot Noir is a stunning wine by Cristom and superstar winemaker Steve Doerner. The earthy aromatics really entice, as do the copious red and dark fruit tones that mingle with Mandarin orange zest that all combine on the nose. The texture is truly outstanding as black fruits dance with minerals, dusty terroir, black truffle shavings and shades of forest floor. Seductive now this stunning wine will cellar well for decades. Drink 2019-2035- 94
Domaine Drouhin
2012 Domaine Drouhin ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir by the talented Veronique Drouhin is a stunning effort at now seven years of age. Very pretty red rose petals aromas connect with shades of peat moss, white truffle shavings and black fruits, with smoky undertones that round out this fantastic nose. The palate has an incredible combination of freshness and richness, with gobs of minerality. The balance imparted is gorgeous, as vibrant minerals collide with ripe red cherry, guava, teaberry and cran-pomegranate flavors. While a delight to enjoy now, this is only starting to come of age. Drink 2019-2038- 95
Domaine Serene
2012 Domane Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Pinot Noir is a barrel selection wine sourced from a host of Domaine Serene Vineyards across the Willamette Valley. On the nose this takes on bright cherry, teaberry, pomegranate seed and shades of wild mushroom and peat moss that round out this gorgeous nose. The soft and generous texture creates a silky mouthfeel which effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Intense dark and red fruit flavors collide with the bright sense of minerality and lovely earthy undertones. Outstanding now at the seven year mark, the 2012 ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Pinot Noir will cellar marvelously for decades to come. Drink 2019-2035- 95
2012 Domaine Serene ‘Grace Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 ‘Grace Vineyard’ Pinot Noir by Domaine Serene is a stunning bottling that is only starting to hit its stride. Needing more than an hour in the decanter, once aroused the wine slowly unveils wild blackberry preserves with suggestions of black tea, baking spices, cigar box and Mandarin orange zest aromas that all sing together in harmony in the glass. The aromatic range is so good you are compelled to go back to the glass for more hedonistic delight. The palate evokes a polished texture, creating a seamless quality that really entices. Earl Grey tea, blackberry cobbler, cigar ash, peat moss and red cherry puree flavors all combine marvelously. While this is only the start of something truly great, the 2016 ‘Grace Vineyard’ will have decades left in the cellar. Drink 2019-2040- 96
Erath
2012 Erath ‘Leland’ Pinot Noir- Winemaker Gary Horner has crafted an exceptional bottling here with the ‘Leland’ Pinot Noir. The wine was aged in 40% new French oak for twelve months prior to bottling. The toasty oak delightfully wraps around the dark fruits with sage and clove accents that all merge together in the glass. Fresh, elegant and highly astringent, the ‘Leland’ produces gobs of mouth-watering acidity and a long and highly satisfying mineral and red fruit-driven finish. I can imagine this beautiful wine cellaring for at least another decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92
2012 Erath ‘Knight’s Gambit’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 ‘Knight’s Gambit’ by Erath is a beautiful bottling at the seven year mark. A whiff of white pepper dashes through the nose as earthy tones and wild blackberry all dance together in unison. The freshness imparted is lovely, as the bright sense of minerality rings true. Red currant and cran-pomegranate with teaberry flavors all collide with minerals and forest floor tones on the palate. While delightful now, this beautiful wine will continue to evolve well for the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 92
2012 Erath ‘Prince Hill’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 Erath ‘Prince Hill’ Pinot Noir starts off with great aromatic range from huckleberry and red raspberry coulis to herbal and peat moss tones that all come together in the glass. The palate has a great combination of weight and freshness. The long, lingering finish really accentuates this beautiful, earthy Pinot Noir. While a delight to savor at this stage, I can see this cellaring well for at least another ten years. Drink 2019-2029- 92
King Estate
2012 King Estate ‘Backbone’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 ‘Backbone’ Pinot Noir is sourced from a host of great vineyards but largely the Roserock Vineyard (33%) and the King Estate Vineyard (28%). Now showing a touch of rim variation once in the glass, the wine opens with an intense bouquet of potpourri with red rose petals that mingle with the bright red fruits and orange zest accents that all mingle nicely together. The palate shows good finesse with medium-bodied red fruit, white pepper and suggestions of black truffle shavings all singing together. While this may come off a touch lean, the freshness here is marvelous as the wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 91
2012 King Estate ‘Croft Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Croft Vineyard’ is located due west of Salem, Oregon, as King Estate has been sourcing from this site since 1992. The vineyard it set at 400 feet elevation and Pinot Noir vines are planted on Bellpine soils. Needing some time in the decanter to fully settle, the ‘Croft VIneyard’ starts off with bright red currants that mingle with spicy and earthy undertones on the nose. The palate has wonderful verve and tension that runs through the wine, as well as a light dusting of salinity. Red cherry preserves, ripe guava and shades of blood orange masquerade with peat moss undertones on the palate. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 91
Lachini Vineyards
2012 Lachini Vineyards ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- Translucent in the glass, the 2012 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir shows nice aromatic range from shades of wet stone and forest floor to bright bing cherry with suggestions of Mandarin orange rind that all settle together nicely in the glass. The sense of balance is profound, as the soft mouthfeel, delicate red fruits and minerals all dance in harmony together. This is seriously good stuff that has another decade to go. Drink 2019-2029- 91
2012 Lachini Vineyards ‘Prima’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Prima’ shows a denser core then the Lachini ‘Estate’ bottling as this is Ronald Lachini’s barrel selection wine. The nose is quite perfumed with red rose petals that collide with pomengrate seed and earthy undertones with citrus rind accents that all mingle together in the glass. The soft and plush, downright classy, texture really entices, as cran-cherry and suggestions of guava puree sing with the peat moss and citrus rind tones on the palate. There is a sense of harmony to this wine as its working parts are truly firing on all cylinders. A delight to savor at this stage in its development, the 2012 ‘Prima’ will cellar well for the next ten to fifteen years, picking up tertiary tones as it ages. Drink 2019-2032- 93
Lange
2012 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ is sourced from a blend of vineyards including the Lange Estate, the Freedom Hill and Yamhill Vineyards. The nose shows bright red fruits that mingle with lovely cardamom and citrus rind tones that all shine together in the glass. Soft, round and silky on the mouth, this beautiful wine is right in its sweet spot. Enjoy the 2012 ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 91
2012 Lange ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from this famed vineyard which was first planted in 1982, the 2012 ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir begins with peat moss and cinnamon sticks that meld with bright pomegranate seed and suggestions of wild mushroom that all take shape in the glass. The mouthfeel is generous as the wine produces a wonderful texture and astringency. Dark fruits mingle with the good sense of freshness and earthy undertones. The ‘Freedom Hill’ Pinot Noir still has a long way to go in the bottle. Drink 2019-2029- 91
Maysara
2012 Maysara ‘Jamsheed’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 ‘Jamsheed’ Pinot Noir by Maysara is entirely sourced from the famed Momtazi Vineyard in the McMinnville AVA. Deeply colored in the glass, the ‘Jamsheed’ opens with suggestions of wet stone and blackberry coulis, with hints of white truffle shavings that all take shape in the glass. The freshness is lovely, as the wine unveils a strong astringency with tart red fruits that mingle with the shades of Mandarin orange rind and minerals. This is quite satisfying now and will continue to evolve well for the next seven plus years. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2012 Maysara ‘Cyrus’ Pinot Noir- The Maysara ‘Cyrus’ was named after the famed Persian king, Cyrus the Great who ruled from 600-530 B.C. A whiff of saline infused dark truffle really captivates the senses as the wine dances with bright red and dark fruits that collide with the earthy tones on the nose. The stony character on the palate is lovely, as is the soft texture that connects with red currants, peat moss, cran-orange and pomegranate seed flavors. Delightful now at the seven year mark, the ‘Cyrus’ will have a long life ahead of it in the cellar. Drink 2019-2032- 93
2012 Maysara ‘Owl’ Pinot Noir- The Maysara ‘Owl’ is a fantastic bottling that underwent 100% whole cluster fermentation. The earthy tones are quite dominant with forest floor, pine needles and suggestions of wild mushroom that merge with the black fruits aromatically. The texture is round and generous as the wine shows off its blackberry cobbler and peat moss flavors that collide with the lovely earthy tones. Drink 2019-2029- 91
Panther Creek
2012 Panther Creek ‘Kalita Vineyard’ Pinot Noir-The ‘Kalita Vineyard’ is set between 400-800 feet as this steep-sloped vineyard is set on well-draining Willakenzie soils. The bright red fruits shine right out of the gate and meld with lovely peat moss and black truffle undertones on the nose. The palate is smooth and silky, revealing a plush mouthfeel. The dark and red fruits collide with minerals and all lead to an exceedingly long and engaging finish. This is really hitting its stride. Drink 2019-2026- 92
2012 Panther Creek ‘Lazy River Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 2012 Yamhill-Carlton bottling opens with bright pomegranate seed, orange zest and suggestions of peat moss that all come together aromatically in the glass. The palate has great brightness and a wonderful sense of minerality. The soft mouthfeel delights, as red fruits and shades of blood orange all mingle with the minerals and light earthy undertones. Fantastic now, showing a great astringency, this will continue to evolve over the next decade. Drink 2019-2026- 92
ROCO
2012 ROCO ‘Private Stash’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Private Stash’ is a barrel selection wine made by superstar winemaker Rollin Soles. The earthy aromatic tones are lovely, as the meld with the black tea, exotic spice, red currant jelly and cran-orange aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate displays wonderful balance and elegance. Black tea, black truffle shavings and forest floor flavors connect with the bright sense of minerality and silky texture. This is seriously good now but will continue to shine brightly for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2033- 93
Stag Hollow
2012 Stag Hollow ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 Stag Hollow ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir is every bit as good as when I tried it at the winery several years ago. Quite translucent in the glass, this Yamhill-Carlton AVA bottling shows bright guava and pomegranate seed aromatics that mingle with the peat moss and citrus rind tones that all meld together in the glass. The silky mouthfeel is lovely as bright acidity and copious red fruits greet you on the palate. Sensational now, this has at least a decade to go. Drink 2019-2029- 92
2012 Stag Hollow ‘Vendage Selection’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Vendages Selection’ is a barrel selection wine crafted by the talented Mark Huff. The nose has great range from forest floor and peat moss to cran-orange and shades of white truffle shavings that all collide in the glass. The silky texture, earthy tones and extremely long finish accentuates this fantastic bottling. Enjoy this over the next decade. Only 72 cases made of this fantastic wine. Drink 2019-2029- 93
Tendril
2012 Tendril Pinot Noir- The 2012 Tendril Pinot Noir is a beautiful wine by superstar winemaker Tony Rynders. Ripe fruits mingle with shades of dried herbs and damp earth that all mingle together on the nose. The freshness and sense of balance is fantastic, as this elegant, medium-bodied Pinot Noir shows off its downright sexy core of red fruits, backed with a strong sense of minerality and lovely earthy undertones. While this is excellent now, the 2012 Tendril Pinot Noir will show well for the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92
2012 Tendril ‘Saffron Fields Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Saffron Fields Vineyard’ is a low elevation site just east of the town of Yamhill. Aromatically this is beautifully evolved with its black tea, blackberry compote and shades of peat moss that come together in the glass. The palate has good richness and a soft texture, unveiling rich red and dark fruits that dance with the lovely sense of minerality. Sensational now, this will continue to show well for at least another decade. Drink 2019-2029- 93
Toil Oregon
2012 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir- The 2012 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir is a fantastic bottling by the talented Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar fame. The aromatic range is quite good with pretty red rose petals that line the glass and mingle with the bright red fruits, blood orange and peat moss tones. Medium-bodied, the freshness here is lovely as bright acidity and lovely tension is created. Bright bing cherry and guava flavors merge with the lovely earthy undertones. A delight to savor at the seven year mark, the 2012 Toil Oregon will have another decade or more left in the cellar. Drink 2019-2029- 93
Trisaetum
2012 Trisaetum ‘Estates Reserve’ Pinot Noir-The 2012 ‘Estates Reserve’ Pinot Noir is a stunning wine at the seven year mark. The aromatic range is seriously good, yielding red cherry candy and guava preserves that mingle with nutmeg, cardamom, and peat moss tones that all march in place in the glass. Soft and round, with a generous mouthfeel, this shows not only fantastic texture but a wonderful, vibrant minerality. Copious red fruits sing in harmony with the minerals and wild mushroom tones on the palate. Fantastic now, this will cellar well over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2033- 93
2012 Trisaetum ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Family Reserve’ is a limited production, barrel selection wine by the talented James Frey. James has chosen four barrels for this wine that hew finds the most intriguing and we are all quite glad that he did. Like the 2012 ‘Estates Reserve’ bottling, the aromatic range at play is outstanding, ranging from red and dark fruits to black truffle and lovely earthy aromas that all dance together in the glass. The silky texture creates a seamless effect, as this glides across the mid-palate. Even better is the near-minute long finish. Astonishing and captivating, this gorgeous bottling will have at least another fifteen years ahead of it — but why wait? Drink 2019-2035- 95
White Rose
2012 White Rose ‘The Neo-Classical Objective’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 ‘Neo-Classical Objective’ was entirely sourced from the White Rose Estate and underwent 100% whole cluster fermentation. On the nose this takes on lively teaberry with red cherry, cranberry and peat moss tones that all come together in the glass. The freshness is lovely as medium-bodied red and dark fruit flavors collide with copious minerals and lighter wild mushroom tones on the palate. Outstanding now, this will evolve well over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92
2012 White Rose ‘White Rose Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 ‘White Rose Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a sensational effort by legendary Oregon winemaker Jesus Guillen. On the nose this expresses intense earthy tones with white truffle shavings, peat moss and dusty minerals that combine with the dark fruits on the nose. The palate has a great combination of freshness, elegance and astringency. Red currants and cran-cherry flavors mingle with shades of cloves, cardamom and damp earthy tones on the palate. Bright and displaying a good combination of weight and minerality, this expressive Oregon Pinot Noir will cellar well for more than a decade — but is extremely hard to resist right now. Drink 2019-2033- 94