2003 Murto Vineyard Cleo's Hill Pinot Noir

[dananne]

Murto Vineyard provides Red Hills of Dundee fruit to many Willamette wineries, including Belle Pente, saving some for their home label called "Cleo's Hill." Very small amounts produced, and if I'm not mistaken, Joe Dobbes helps with the winemaking. We picked this up at the Dobbes TR in Dundee in '06. We had never heard of it before, and we have never seen it since.

Decanted 20 minutes before 1st pour and through evening. Dark garnet in color with purple flashes. Black cherry and red spices dominate the nose and flavors, and the flavors include an earthiness that makes me think of the red, Jory soils in the area. I can almost smell the dirt in the wine. It's big and flavorful, but the texture is feathery light. Zinging acidity makes it taste lively. Ever so subtle tannins on the finish, sort of like white tea. Nice drink all evening, and Anne was particularly pleased. For an Oregon '03, no heat, and only 13% alc. We paid about $30 for it.