2016 Chehalem Corral Creek Pinot Noir 1.5L

Thanks to the early, warm season we captured the beautiful, well known bright, strawberry, red fruit aromas that Corral Creek is known for while giving it a little extra body. The depth that came in with the fruit was balanced with more new oak. This is felt on the palate with the long, silky tannin finish that evolves into a mid-palate that is firm and juicy. A classic Corral Creek vintage with a back bone.

This is the year of Earliest Ever. The winter was warm, budbreak was early and 2016 never looked back—bloom, veraison and harvest, all early records. Harvest began in August and was done before October. Although early, the growing season wasn’t as hot as the prior three, but still the same new warm norm. Fruit is fully ripe but not overripe, moderate alcohols, good enough acids and intense, easily extracted, dense wines, from 15% smaller berry sizes and yields. Potentially an excellent-to-classic vintage.

90 Points, Year's Best Pinot Noirs - Wine & Spirits