2014 Lavinea Pinot Noir Tualatin Estate
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Tasting notes
From the Chehalem Mountains. Aromas of red currants reveal a mix of forest and earth notes on the palate – crushed rocks, tree resin and a saline crunch. There are dark fruit notes spun through the background but the flavour is primarily a complex palate of resin and rock. Intriguing, focused, and closing with good tension through a persistent finish. Very lightly rustic tannin and a good balance of acidity imply the wine will continue to develop and improve in bottle. Good aging potential here. (ECB)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Brilliant red. Vibrant, mineral- and spice-tinged aromas of ripe red berries, candied rose and blood orange gain an exotic twist from a hint of incense. Shows outstanding clarity and depth, offering sappy raspberry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors underscored by a vein of juicy acidity. Finishes impressively long and sweet, delivering silky, harmonious tannins and emphatic, floral-driven persistence. This wine's blend of richness and vivacity is really compelling.
The 2014 Tualiatin Vineyard Pinot Noir was picked on 17 and 23 September, and underwent a six-day cold soak before maturation in 30% new French oak. It has plenty of dark cherry and blueberry fruit on the nose. It thankfully avoids any blowsiness, maintaining commendable delineation, not a complex bouquet, but quite punchy. The palate is medium-bodied with well-judged acidity, nicely balanced with black cherries, kirsch, cassis and a tangy marmalade note. I appreciate the freshness and vitality here, a Pinot Noir with joie-de-vivre; it is one of those bottles that you will polish off sooner than you think. For sure, there is just a slight tinniness that gets in the way, but otherwise, this comes recommended - another delicious and well-crafted wine from the hands of Isabelle Meunier.