The St. Innocent Pinot Noir "Villages Cuvée" from Willamette Valley, Oregon, is a beautifully crafted wine that captures the essence of Oregon Pinot Noir with its vibrant fruit, elegant structure, and nuanced complexity. Here are the tasting notes for this wine:
Appearance:
The wine has a bright ruby-red color with a slightly translucent rim, typical of a well-made Pinot Noir.
Nose:
On the nose, the St. Innocent "Villages Cuvée" Pinot Noir is aromatic and expressive, offering a bouquet of red fruits such as cherry, raspberry, and cranberry. These are complemented by subtle floral notes, like rose petals and violet, and a hint of earthy undertones, such as forest floor and damp leaves. There are also nuances of spice, like clove, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla, likely from oak aging, adding depth and complexity to the aroma.
Palate:
The palate is medium-bodied with a silky, smooth texture. The red fruit flavors are fresh and lively, with red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry leading the way. The wine's acidity is well-balanced, providing brightness and vibrancy, while the tannins are fine-grained and elegant, giving the wine structure and length. The earthy and spicy notes detected on the nose carry through on the palate, adding layers of complexity and a slight savory edge. The oak influence is subtle and well-integrated, contributing hints of vanilla and a touch of toast without overpowering the delicate fruit.
Finish:
The finish is long and refined, with lingering notes of red fruit, a touch of spice, and a hint of earthy minerality. The wine leaves a clean, smooth aftertaste that is both refreshing and satisfying, inviting another sip.
Overall Impression:
St. Innocent Pinot Noir "Villages Cuvée" is a beautifully balanced and elegant wine that captures the classic style of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Its combination of bright fruit, refined tannins, and subtle complexity makes it an excellent choice for pairing with a variety of dishes, including roasted poultry, salmon, mushroom risotto, pork tenderloin, and soft cheeses. It is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed now for its vibrant fruit and elegance, but it also has the potential to age gracefully for several years, developing even more depth and character over time.