Pike Road 2019 Meyer Vineyard Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)

The Meyer selection is the result of a swap of estate vineyard fruit between Elk Cove and Lemelson. This places the emphasis on lovely blackberry fruit and keeps a grip on the savory notes, pushing flavors forward and adding a touch of baking spices and fruit sweetness to the mild tannins. It's fresh and juicy, like chomping a berry off a wild-growing blackberry bush. Previous vintages were aged 15 months in 43% new French oak; it's not clear if the same program applies here, but this emphasizes the fruit over the impact of any barrel aging. Paul Gregutt