This wine is a tribute to Bill Hanson’s many years in the wine business, both as national sales manager for Stoller Vineyards in Dundee and crafting his wines under the Libra brand. The 2012 Pinot Noir is predictive of whatever his wine brand will become in the future. Many critics anticipated a seminal vintage for Willamette Valley pinot noir in 2012. We had to wait a long time for that to happen, but they were right. I was prepared to be disappointed as anyone would with a 14-year-old wine. I was not, and can’t stop sipping and looking for some flaw or sign of age, but the wine is completely intact beautifully balanced, and drinking like an aged pro.
The Libra pinot noir doesn’t present any browning in the glass and stepped up to the plate – I mean this literally – as I grilled Norwegian North Atlantic salmon with sides of garlic rosemary roasted potatoes and grilled asparagus. I was delighted throughout the meal with how intact this wine remained.
I rate this one as exceptional, and worth seeking out if you can find it, only 147 cases were produced. Bill acquired the Carlton Hill label from long-time wine stalwart Dave Grooters and may discontinue the Libra label. Seriously, contact him to learn more about his long-term plans. He has them. He shared some thoughts recently over a tasting at Park & Main Restaurant in Carlton OR. Why is he still selling for Stoller Vineyards? Well, we all can guess the answer.