TN: Two 2010 Oregon Pinot Noirs

Really enjoying exploring some newly released 2010 Oregon Pinots. I’ve heard great things about the vintage, but it sounds like there isn’t going to be a lot of it. Here are notes on two entry-level wines from an established Willamette Valley winery and a new winery sourcing fruit from a single, established vineyard. The Bow & Arrow Pinot Noir is definitely more interesting, which is not surprising since this inaugural effort sources fruit from the Medici Vineyard – one of the oldest in the Willamette Valley (Chehalem AVA, planted in mid-1970s). The Brooks is a bit more fruit-forward, so lovers of fruit might narrow this score or even like the Brooks more. Nonetheless, here ya go…

  • 2010 Bow and Arrow Pinot Noir Medici Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains (2/1/2012)
    On pop and pour I get soft red fruit on the nose. Red fruit, orange zest and some very gentle baking/mulled spices show up in the mouth. Nice feel. Good acidity and fine-grain tannins carry the fruit through the finish. Nicely balanced with some oak spice, but nothing overwhelming. (90 pts.)
  • 2010 Brooks Pinot Noir Willamette Valley - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (2/1/2012)
    There’s a mix of red and dark cherries on the nose, along with some earth and oak spice. The palate is more straightforward dark cherries and ultra ripe strawberries. Very light acid carries throughout and matches up with some gentle tannins to carry through a fruit-dominated finish. (88 pts.)

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