02 Adelsheim Vineyard, Oregon Pinot Noir

Herbal, light, and zingy. Complex Cantillon Kriek funk (wild, but not soil-driven) nose interrupted by steamy, though otherwise innocuous, alcohol. Develops a slight hint of oaky creaminess with some time in the glass. Raspberries, tarragon, braised fennel, and cinnamon-spiced tart cherries. Clean tannins and refreshing acid. Warming with some splintering alcohol spice on the finish. Elegant and traditional; Burgundian with peeks of sweet fruit crying out from Chehalem. One of the hotter 02 Oregon pinots, but otherwise completely spot-on. Makes you wonder where the late Jimi Brooks got his inspiration. Benchmark.