Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2013 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now: $33 special
“Russ Raney founded Evesham Wood Winery in 1986. He studied wine in Germany before eventually moving to Portland to find an ideal US site for Burgundian and Alsatian-style wines. He is now enjoying semi-retirement while importing southern French wines from Clos Canos and Chateau de Cabriac, among others. Erin Nuccio took over as wine-maker and owner after working several years with Russ while also developing his Haden Fig label.
“The estate vineyard, Le Puits Sec, is planted on an east facing slope overlooking the Willamette River. It has iron-rich soils and is planted to several varieties. While the Evesham Wood wines tend toward elegance and the Haden Fig wines towards more fruit-forward notes, both are expressive examples of their (all dry-farmed) vineyards.
“The 2013 Le Puits Sec grapes were harvested before the rains and opens with notes of crushed violets. As this is still young, I gave the wine a chance to unwind for 24 hours before revisiting. The second taste still holds on to the violet and floral notes while adding a touch of wet autumn leaves that gives the nose a delightfully rustic note. The palate is all finesse with extremely fine, grippy tannins, delightfully balanced acidity and a light to medium body. It finishes with a hint of iron and red berries with an extra, unexpected something reminiscent of classic Sangiovese. A stylish 2013 and, of those I’ve tried, promises a superb aging potential.” -Suzanne