Illahe Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

A serviceable Willamette Pinot noir. Served at room temperature in a warm room — at least 15 degrees F hotter than I’d like for a North American Pinot —, the acidity was too strong and the fruit hardly concentrated. There were hints of cherry, chocolate, and vanilla, but the alcohol and temperature drowned out whatever goodness was in the glass.

Pale purple red colour with whiffs of fresh red fruits, mostly strawberries, raspberries and cassis along with a touch of thyme. Light body with very smooth soft tannins that leave room to a nice acidity. On the palate, the wine loses some of the expected fruitiness from the nose, but you can still find notes of strawberries and redcurrant. There is a clearly earthy taste, reminiscent of wet green clay, strong dried leaves, barn hay and a bit of menthol …

It tastes like barnyard and horsey.

Ok. Could use more fruit, balance, and structure. Thin on the nose, and weak on the mouthfeel. I lean toward subtle burgundies, so it’s not that this needs to be powered up. But it lacks depth and character. A case of form over content for me.