2014 Basalt Block Pinot Noir comes from Robert Brittan the winemaker with 40 years of winemaking experience.

Robert is a winemaker for his own and six other wineries in the region. As a result, Robert is now making wines from all six of the sub-AVA’s of the Willamette Valley, Oregon.

We tasted his wines before from a couple of wineries and finally made a trip to the mothership - Brittan Vineyard itself. We tasted four wines and took a bottle of 2014 Basalt Block Pinot noir home to get a second opinion.

This Pinot Noir has a medium intensity ruby color indicating extended contact with the skins. On the nose, Basalt Block had a combination of wet leaves, sour cherry, kirsch liquor, pencil shavings and smoke notes. Palate was refreshingly acidic with sensible tannins confirming the extended contact with skins. The flavors were of the ripe cherry, smashed raspberry, a touch of cedar and smoke.

Overall, we had a split decision on this wine. Both of us liked the acidity and tannins of 2014 Basalt Block Pinot Noir. While one of us thought of it as a bit out balance and not particularly exciting, another thoroughly enjoyed this wine and found it to be complex and satisfying.