Whoa, I’m as fan of “terroir” as the next guy, but this pinot noir feels like the fruit was dragged along a dirt road before hitting the bottle, it’s so full of brambly, almost tarry character on the nose and palate. Initially incredibly dry on the palate, the wine slowly opens up to reveal some blackberry and blueberry notes, along with an edge of cola — probably the most pinot-like element in this distinctly Old World-styled wine. It’s slightly pruny/jammy on the finish, at least until that weighty, dusty character returns to the fore.

B / $30 / willakenzie.com 

2017 WillaKenzie Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

$30

8

Rating

8.0/10