The 2012 Pinot Noir Orchard Block comes from 12-year-old vines and was picked October 4, undergoing twice daily punch-downs and aged in French oak for 17 months of which 42% is new. It has quite an opulent bouquet compared to Sokol Blossor's other 2012s with generous red plum, fresh strawberry, cocoa and light tobacco scents that might benefit from just a little more delineation. This is one cuvée where I find the oak coming through quite strongly on the entry, smoothing down any edges, creating commendable harmony and a seductive texture. There is a touch more grittiness coming through on the finish that needs to develop a little more persistence with bottle age and just get to grips with the alcohol as there is a little warmth at the back of the throat. I recommend cellaring this for at least three, perhaps four years because there is plenty of substance here.

Fresh and vibrant, light-footed but dense, with plum and currant fruit on a taut frame. Sandy tannins underlie the long and harmonious finish. Drink now through 2022. 300 cases made.??–HS??Region: Oregon / Willamette Valley / Dundee Hills Select to Add