Sunday, February 18, 2024

2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir

Happy Sunday!  Well, tonight I've brought out a forgotten bottle of wine, as apparently I've reviewed the 2018 vintage, the 2020 vintage and the 2021 vintage, but now I'm finally getting around to the 2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir!  As a loyal shareholder, I am a big fan of Willamette Valley Vineyards' wines, and although the whole cluster Pinot Noir is ideal and approachable on release, tonight we'll find out how they perform five years on!

2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir

The wine is a delightful ruby color in the glass with nice clarity, just as you'd expect from the varietal.  A gentle swirl of my Pinot glass reveals aromas of raspberry, bing cherry, green cedar and a hint of eucalyptus.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in ripe red fruit, cherry, raspberry and currant with just a bit of tartness that eases into some earthy notes of dusty limestone midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a smooth, dry finish that lingers with a reprise of berry at the end.

Miso glazed pan seared Coho salmon topped with microgreens, with farro and steamed broccolini

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a wonderful example of a solid Pinot Noir, that is approachable and ideal for pairing with a broad range of casual dinner fare.  This wine would be great with barbecue, pizza or tacos, grilled seafood or pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some miso glazed pan seared Coho salmon topped with microgreens, along with some farro and steamed broccolini.  Cheers!

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