Wine Review: Penner-Ash 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Every once in awhile you deserve to grab a special bottle you've been saving, dust it off and drink it. That's exactly what I decided to do right now. Penner-Ash Pinot Noir ain't no golden God grand cru but it's crazy good. And to guys like myself that can't afford to spend the $35 that it costs, even on a semi-regular basis, it's pretty goddamn friggin special.

Penner-Ash is located in Newberg, Oregon and was founded by winemaker Lynn Penner-Ash and her husband Ron in 1998. Their main focus is Pinot Noir but they also do some Syrah, Viognier and Riesling. I'm reviewing a bottle of their 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, which I purchased over a year ago.

I know I tend to write rather long reviews but I'm going to make this short and sweet because, to be honest, I just want to sit and enjoy this wine slowly while watching late night cartoons or something. Sorry, not sorry.

The wine is purple. The foremost aromas on the nose are black cherries and a freshly opened package of sliced portobello mushrooms, followed by raspberries and copper. The palate is all about the raspberry and dark chocolate. I'd say it's medium bodied on the Pinot Noir scale. Tannins are present and there's a tart acidity that brings vibrant life into the raspberry flavors. The finish is cedary and just a bit smokey, almost menthol cigarette-ish.

I've considered this wine one of my favorite Pinot Noir's ever since I first had it a few years ago and it's just what I needed right now. Lately all of the Pinot Noir's being brought around come with brettanomyces-action-grip or are just Petite Sirah in a clever disguise. Thanks for renewing my faith, Penner-Ash.

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING

Price: $35
Rating: 5/5 = Highly Recommended.
(what does that mean?)

The bottle used was purchased by myself for the purpose of this review.