December 19, 2023
20-Buck Bottle: A Pinot Noir from an extinct volcano
Easy-drinking red pairs exceptionally well with meatless diets
by Anita Skogland
2021 Cooper Hill Pinot Noir, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Available at: Whole Foods
Price: $19.99
On the Nose: Blueberries, clove, cola, “a walk in a forest”
On the Palate: Cherries, pomegranates, smooth tannins, mineral
On the Plate: Plant based burgers and fries, hearty winter greens salad, smoked salmon
Our Take: A very easy-drinking Pinot that does not cry for deep introspection. Good quality for the price – many Pinot Noir wines at this price are too spare and tannic or over extracted.
Fun Facts: This producer converted their family farm to grapes in 1978. It is located on an extinct volcano which yields volcanic ash and granite soils, which this grape loves..
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