This high-elevation Pinot noir reminds me of bright Ruby gems in a glass. It’s all red fruit on the nose, with baking spice and sage/thyme herbal notes. There’s plenty of dark cherry fruit balanced with lively acidity.
Who said all the great Pinots come from the Willamette Valley? While there’s truth to that, the Elkton AVA in Umpqua Valley hasn’t gotten its due. In fact, much of the best Pinot Noir fruit in Southern Oregon is sourced by some of the larger Willamette Valley producers. Owner/Winemaker Terry Brandborg proves this with his 12-year-old offering. The 2014 “Ferris Wheel” Is an exceptional wine, well-structured, intense, with lots of complexity, and with a long, satisfying finish.
Queue the grilled chicken and roast veg – mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, and onions for tonight’s dinner – although some Oregon salmon would be another perfect pairing.
Read Terry’s Wine Characters interview here, and why he chose this wine as most emblematic of the Brandborg brand.