OREGON
PINOT NOIR
95 00 Wines 2017 Richard Hermann Cuvée Pinot Noir (Eola-Amity Hills). Double Zero tags its top wines with the names of the founders’ parents. This dense and delicious wine was produced with single whole berries fermented in a 500 L Tuscan terracotta amphora. Sixteen months in 20% new French oak has added rich streaks of mocha, coffee and sandalwood, along with ripe, chocolaty cherry fruit. As with all the Double Zero Pinots, it’s a perfect mix of elegance, ripeness, texture and length. —P.G.
abv: 13.7% Price: $125
95 Patricia Green Cellars 2018 Estate Vineyard Bonshaw Block Pinot Noir (Ribbon Ridge). A small block from the estate that regularly overperforms, thanks to its combination of nearly 30-year-old vines and 100% Pommard (as in yummy) clones. Tart cherry, cola and sandalwood highlight this nicely textured wine, with excellent balance throughout. There are lovely touches of mineral, toasted nut and a whiff of popcorn. Drink now through the mid-2020s. —P.G.
abv: 13.8% Price: $75
94 Patricia Green Cellars 2018 Balcombe Vineyard Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills). Sourced from Pommard clones planted in 1990, this perches ripe blueberry and black raspberry fruit atop drying, mineral-tinged tannins. The concentration and depth, even at such a young age, argue for cellaring this gem at least another five years, and enjoy prime-time drinking through the back half of the decade. —P.G.
abv: 13.9% Price: $42
93 00 Wines 2017 Shea Pinot Noir (Yamhill-Carlton). Many producers lust after Shea fruit. Double Zero picks earlier than most and puts an emphasis on elegance and exceptional aromatics. Cranberry and raspberry fruit flavors dominate the wine, which was whole berry-fermented in a terracotta clay amphora, and then aged 16 months in 20% new French oak barrels. A streak of orange liqueur highlights the extended finish. —P.G.
abv: 13.1% Price: $95
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