2004 Carlton Hill Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir

[dananne]

From the newly-created Yamhill-Carlton District in the Northern Willamette Valley in Oregon.

We spent some time visiting with these folks last summer at A Walk in the Park, a wine event that raises funds for community projects in Carlton, put on in part by Ken Wright. They were nice folks that have a small, 6-acre spread, with a quality focus that seems admirable, particularly as their prices are comparably low (this one ran about $31).

Deep reddish-purple in color, with a nose of black plum and smoke. Plum flavors join with sweet cherry and pick up some cinnamon on the finish. Silky texture and nice acidity combine in a very balanced wine. Well made, and another winner from Oregon's wonderful 2004 vintage. Alc. 14% and reasonable. FWIW, WS gave it an 87.

[dananne]

Had another last night, and while still good, this one seemed a bit more acidic -- I thought it was fine, but Anne wasn't as pleased as she had been with the other bottle. Perhaps it just tasted more acidic because it followed the Martinelli, which was slightly lacking in acidity. Still, a nice wine, and at a reasonable price. We're out of this one now, but it was nice enough that I'd try the '05 if I could find it.