RR Pinot Noir Estate Reserve 2012 (750ml)

100% Pinot Noir

ABV 14.2%

Drink now to remind yourself of the wonders of older Oregon pinot.

Vintage Notes
This was a uniformly excellent vintage in the Willamette Valley, moreso than the past few years where some winemakers read it well and others may not have. The weather was storybook, almost entirely positive, with the Grinch of hail in one or two localized sites proving we’re as vulnerable as Burgundy. The heat accumulations are the 5th highest in the last 16 years, putting ripeness in the league with 2004 and 1998. The perfectly warm and completely dry growing and ripening seasons kept disease away and pushed full ripeness without sacrificing acid structure.

Scores/Reviews
93 points Tanzer/Vinous - Bright ruby. Sexy smoke-and spice accented aromas of black raspberry, cola and pungent flowers, with a mineral element adding vivacity. Pliant, expansive red and dark berry flavors stain the palate, showing outstanding clarity and back-end lift. Combines power and finesse deftly and closes on a spicy note, with smooth tannins coming in late to add grip. – Josh Raynolds

93 points Wine & Spirits - Harry Peterson-Nedry sought to validate the aging power of Oregon pinot noir by submitting a handful of older vintages for review with the current vintage. This 2012 proves his point, the wine bringing together dark fruit and haunting secondary aromas. It’s sumptuous from the first sip, in its savory scents of black tea, clove and smoke and its dark, burnished fruit. After the mint and clove notes recede, the wine lasts with a sophisticated, layered, complex array of dried-fruit flavors, from plum to black cherry and strawberry. Drink now to remind yourself of the wonders of older Oregon pinot. (433 cases) —P.J.C.

93 points Wine Spectator - Red Plush in texture, brimming with ripe cherry and plum flavors that hint at floral and pink peppercorn notes as the finish cascades. Has presence and depth. —H.S., Nov 2015