2017 Crowley Wines Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon (750ml)   

Crowley Wines works with family owned vineyards and focuses on cooler, high elevation sites. They are members of the Deep Roots Coalition and their primary vineyard sources are LIVE certified or certified organic.

In the winery their highest priority is to create the most direct evidence of both vintage and place while making elegant and exciting wines. This means (wine geek alert!) minimal acid additions, no extraction enzymes, employing native yeasts, extended aging in mostly neutral oak and minimal fining or filtration. In this Pinot the brilliant red center with blue hues indicate freshness while the shimmering clarity advertises a classic, energetic Pinot Noir. Earth, spice and just a touch of oak meet the nose along with strawberry and cranberry. The palate is juicy and crunchy, moving into ripe flavors with a soft edge of tannin to keep the lift. Short version: Damn this is good! ;>)