Wine Enthusiast Scores - June 2015 Issue - WildAire
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Wine Enthusiast Scores – June 2015 Issue

Label for the WildAire 2012 Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir

19 Mar Wine Enthusiast Scores – June 2015 Issue

Posted at 00:59h in Acclaim by

94 Cellar Selection WildAire 2012 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton 

Many of Oregon’s best winemakers are scrambling to acquire Shea grapes. This small-scale producer does a fine job. Its Shea designate is a captivating wine loaded with blueberry, blue plum, black raspberry and a touch of violets. One-third new French oak brings a vein of chocolate. The balance is impeccable. Drink this with enjoyment immediately, or cellar it through 2025. Cellar Selection. —P.G.

92 WildAire 2012 Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills

In the world of rare, single-vineyard Oregon Pinots, this is a relative bargain. The vineyard adjoins the St. Innocent winery, in a prime Eola-Amity location. The fruit delivers the subtle complexity and detail you hope for but don’t always find in single-vineyard bottles. Brambly and floral with subtle notes of violets, rose petals, cured meat, orange rind and more, it’s a dense and thought-provoking wine that rewards close attention. —P.G.

91 Editors’ Choice WildAire 2013 Steelhead Run Vineyard Viognier Applegate Valley

Spicy, punchy and pungent, this bright and crisply defined effort displays a riot of orange and apricot fruit flavors, morphing into a Grand Marnier finish. It’s deep and persistent, fully ripe but neither hot nor bitter. Editors’ Choice. —P.G

91 WildAire 2012 Reserve Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

This is a barrel selection, with the majority of the barrels from Shea, Zenith and Illahe vineyard fruit. Toasty, smooth, supple and pleasing, it begins with tart red fruits framed by citrusy acidity. It breathes open and stays fresh for more than a day, with light red fruits, milk chocolate, and firm, balanced tannins. —P.G.

90 WildAire 2012 Ellis Vineyards Tempranillo Rogue Valley

Dark, sappy and smoky, this engaging wine offers substantial cassis and blueberry fruit, dotted with highlights of caraway and dark chocolate. The tannins are beautifully polished, and the wine should have further improvement ahead as it ages through 2020. —P.G.