Review: 2021 Patricia Green Cellars Mysterious Pinot Noir

By Rob Theakston | July 30, 2023 |

Burrowed entirely within the Willamette Valley, Patricia Green Cellars (PGC) resides in the Dundee Hills AVA about 30 miles southwest of Portland. While they release a modest amount of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, the majority of wines from PGC focus on Pinot Noirs from vineyards around the area. There are offerings at a wide range of price points, but today we focus on a higher-end, single-vineyard offering christened “Mysterious.”

Some overview (via their website):

The history on any one vineyard on Worden Hill Rd is inextricably linked to all the others and, ultimately, to a single site and a couple of families. The vineyard in question is Maresh Vineyard and the people are Jim and Loie Maresh and Dick Erath. Erath convinced this cherry and hazelnut farming couple with property located at the summit of the hill to consider planting a vineyard in 1969. This would be only the second vineyard in Yamhill County. In 1971 Bill and Bessie Archibald acquired 20 acres of land adjacent to (and owned by) the Maresh family. Five acres were planted over a handful of years beginning in 1973. The property grew and more acreage was added over the years. In 1988 the property was sold to Gary Andrus and the newly formed Archery Summit Winery. The vineyard contains none of its original plantings but still has material that was planted in 1988 and 1990.

The game is afoot, Watson. Let’s uncork.

Raspberry, cola, and petrichor all attack at various points on a very complex and delightful nose, with just a touch of oak appearing after some time in the glass. As the palate develops, the earthiness grows more pronounced but notes of blackberry preserve and spicy ginger add even further depth. The finish pushes forward with ginger cake and dark fruit at first, with sturdy tannins and ample acid supporting an elegant and lengthy dark chocolate finale. Not one to be hurried along, this is best enjoyed when there’s an ample amount of time afforded for its charms to unravel.

The name of this Pinot may be designed to invoke a sense of intrigue, but the solution here is most evident: this is an outstanding selection for the cellar or a special occasion.

A- / $100 / patriciagreencellars.com