The 2017 Antica Terra, "Botanica" Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley was a Merchant's Pick
Oregon's Most Exclusive Pinot Noir
July 01, 2020
"Striking wine." James Suckling
Striking indeed!
Even decadent!
Location drives this wonderful Pinot Noir - and it is worth noting: 11 acres are located on a steep, rocky hillside in Eola-Amity Hills of the Willamette Valley. Among the boulder outcrops, pre-historic topsoil and fossilized oyster shells cover the Antica Terra Vineyard. The slightest change in the weather is amplified here more than anywhere else in the region.
"This starts out with a more savory, earthy and spicy expression and has a gently meaty edge to the nose with a vibrant, exotic feel. Violets and wild herbs abound with forest wood and sous bois - very complex already. The palate has a very tautly composed feel with acidity really adding spark to dense, powerful tannins. Red and dark cherries abound and there's a floral and mineral thread of flavor. Salty too, like samphire and nasturtium. Striking wine." James Suckling
We love this wine. It is exotic and intense and still manages to maintain a classic Pinot Noir profile.
Somewhat Pommard-like in character, it is definitely striking!
Enjoy!