2021 Pinot Noir Les Dijonnais
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Tasting notes
I tasted the 2021 Pinot Noir Les Dijonnais just before it was due to be bottled. It takes some air to reveal flint-laced cranberry, blueberry, earth and floral tones on the nose. The palate is more open, offering concentrated berry fruit structured by chalky tannins and bright acidity, and it has a long, floral finish.
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Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
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The 2021 Pinot Noir Les Dijonnais is darkly floral with an earthy bouquet blending savory herbs with dried strawberries and hints of ashen stone. It sweeps across the palate, vividly fresh and juicy with ripe red fruits and hints of blood orange accelerated by vibrant acidity. The 2021 lingers with staying concentration, leaving a web of fine tannins as touches of licorice evolve into a cranberry crunch.
From two blocks next to the winery, with three different clones planted in 1995, the ripe red-hued 2021 Pinot Noir Les Dijonnais is lush with notes of wild raspberry, wild herbs, and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, it is approachable up front but has great underlying structure. It’s drinking well now but has lots of life ahead over the next 8-10 years if stored properly. One of the benchmark estates of the Willamette Valley, Doug Tunnell and Melissa Mills began the winery with the first vines they planted in 1990. He is widely mentioned in my travels across the region, especially regarding his farming, which is certified biodynamic through Demeter. The vineyards are planted on southeast-facing slopes in the heart of the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Each of the following wines were tasted at the estate with Doug and his fantastic assistant winemaker Savannah Mills.
30% new oak. Mostly Chassin. Great mix of Dijon clones. Fresh, pretty nose. Lightish but with very pretty fruit. Really satisfying. Dry finish and quite marked acidity. Fine, polished tannins. Lovely now. (JR)