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Willamette Pinot Noir is a standout among Hotei’s selection of affordable appellation Pinot Noirs produced by the Castle Rock Winery. The cool climate, lengthy growing season, and diverse soils are just part of what makes the Willamette Valley a great region for this varietal. As important is the devotion to a handcrafted approach, organic viticulture and sustainability practiced by so many of the producers there. The Willamette Valley is now recognized for a style of Pinot Noir that’s well-balanced, supple and crisp, lighter in body but as deliciously fruit-forward as its counterparts in California. The winery describes this wine as offering “aromas of cherry and spice. On the palate, it gives flavors of berries, cinnamon, black cherry, sweet vanilla oak, and floral notes with a long velvety finish.” It should pair well with lamb, chicken, pork, salmon, and light pasta dishes.
Producing low-priced wine is not difficult in California – as long as one uses undistinguished central valley grapes. Yet Castle Rock Winery sells premium, handcrafted wines from the best appellations in California, Oregon and Washington at prices that match those wines labeled “California.” Castle Rock Winery’s secret to providing “appellation wines at affordable prices” is to operate as a kind of “virtual winery,” owning neither its own vineyards nor a winery. Instead it maintains close, long-term relationships with around forty growers in such areas as Monterey County, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Willamette Valley and Colombia Valley and leases state-of-the-art winemaking facilities in all three states. Winemaker August "Joe" Briggs works closely with the growers to ensure they produce the best quality fruit while overseeing the winemaking at the same time. This unique method of operating allows Castle Rock to avoid the “money pits” of land and fancy buildings that sink many wineries and focus everything on securing the best grapes and crafting delicious wines. Since the beginning in 1994, Castle Rock has focused particularly on Pinot Noir, making distinct bottlings from such key Pinot districts as Carneros, Russian River Valley and Willamette Valley. However, over the years the winery has also branched out into other popular varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Riesling. Though an oft-repeated wine country adage goes, “it takes a fortune to make a small fortune in the wine business,” Castle Rock Winery has shown there is a way to make captivating wines for the discerning drinker without deep pockets.
| Country | USA |
| Region | Oregon |
| Appellation(s) | Willamette Valley (Oregon) |
| Winery | Castle Rock |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Color | Red |
| Varietal(s) | Pinot Noir |
| Closure | Screw Cap |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Bottle Size | 8.0 x 29.5 |
| Case Size | 33.5 x 26.5 x 30.5 |
| Alcohol | 13.0% |
| Product Code | CA22WP |
| UPC | 083837006230 |
90 points – James Suckling; 87 points (Best Buy) – Wine Enthusiast.
Cherry and spice notes give way to flavors of berries, black cherry, cinnamon, and floral notes. Velvet tannins on the finish.
Fermented and aged in stainless steel tank.