TN: 2011 Erath Oregon Pinot Noir

[Roy_Piper]

2011 Erath Oregon Pinot Noir $19
From a modest vintage of low alcohols comes this nice little wine. Medium-bodied, translucent ruby color. Nothing that will blow anyone away, but an elegant, food friendly lightweight that is pleasant to drink now. Plum and strawberry in the nose, with just a tiny hint of forest floor. 13.0% alcohol. The tannins are just a touch rough for the weight of the wine and there is not a lot of complexity, but it does have more than just fruit to go for it. This is where the value comes in for me. For $19, I just want something nice to drink that goes with my meal, and does not make me regret spending a lot of money for a wine with dinner. This delivers nicely at that price. There are few reds from my neck of the woods I can get at this quality level at sub-$20. And a screwcap to boot! Drink now and over the next year or so while the fruit stays fresh. Makes me want to search out more of his wine. I bet Erath did a really good version of this in 2012.
86pts

[Tom_Moore]

I agree Roy, kind of a go to pinot for me as well on the cheap. Costco usually has it at <$15. Owned by a conglomerate but still seem to be doing it right.

[Jason_Hagen]

@Roy Piper

2011 Erath Oregon Pinot Noir $19
From a modest vintage of low alcohols comes this nice little wine. Medium-bodied, translucent ruby color. Nothing that will blow anyone away, but an elegant, food friendly lightweight that is pleasant to drink now. Plum and strawberry in the nose, with just a tiny hint of forest floor. 13.0% alcohol. The tannins are just a touch rough for the weight of the wine and there is not a lot of complexity, but it does have more than just fruit to go for it. This is where the value comes in for me. For $19, I just want something nice to drink that goes with my meal, and does not make me regret spending a lot of money for a wine with dinner. This delivers nicely at that price. There are few reds from my neck of the woods I can get at this quality level at sub-$20. And a screwcap to boot! Drink now and over the next year or so while the fruit stays fresh. Makes me want to search out more of his wine. I bet Erath did a really good version of this in 2012.
86pts

I do see this wine everywhere. Nice that they can maintain that quality with what must be large product. But you should keep in mind there are vastly superior Pinot Noirs from Oregon at that price range. Although you may need to have them shipped.

Interesting comment about the 2012. I would actually expect their 2012 to be a hot mess. 2011 is a stunning vintage. Have you tasted many 2012s?

Jason

[jcoley3]

Definitely an acceptable, mass-produced Pinot! Seriously, you could do a lot worse.

Or, you could look for McKinlay or Evesham Wood or Ayres basic-level Willamette wines and get better wine from a small producer for a few bucks more.

What mass-produced Napa Cabs available at Costco would the OP suggest?

[dsGriswold]

I have not had an Erath wine since they were sold. Under whelmed unfortunately as Dick was a pioneer in the Valley. The best wine on my last visit was a Dolcetto. On a subsequent visit to the tasting room, they said he pulled up or grafted over the vines. For $20 you can get many good Pinots from the neighbors.

[Beau_Carufel]

@dsGriswold

I have not had an Erath wine since they were sold. Under whelmed unfortunately as Dick was a pioneer in the Valley. The best wine on my last visit was a Dolcetto. On a subsequent visit to the tasting room, they said he pulled up or grafted over the vines. For $20 you can get many good Pinots from the neighbors.

They grafted over their dornfelder too, which was a crime IMHO.

[Mark_C_Johnson]

@jcoley3

Definitely an acceptable, mass-produced Pinot! Seriously, you could do a lot worse.

Or, you could look for McKinlay or Evesham Wood or Ayres basic-level Willamette wines and get better wine from a small producer for a few bucks more.

What mass-produced Napa Cabs available at Costco would the OP suggest?

This. Love the McKinley and also $19 in my neck of the woods.