Portlandia Pinot Noir Montazi Vineyard 2019

Portlandia is an Oregon producer, and this Pinot Noir comes from the Montazi Vineyard in the Willamette Valley, the cool-climate heart of Oregon winemaking. The valley sits in the rain shadow of the Coast Range, with marine sedimentary and volcanic soils that give Pinot Noir a balance of red and dark fruit alongside a clear mineral edge. A cool, long growing season and a wide swing between warm days and cold nights preserve acidity and let the fruit ripen slowly, building aroma without excess sugar. Fermentation precedes ten months of ageing in French oak barrels, where measured oxygen exchange rounds the tannins and adds gentle clove and woodspice without overwhelming the fruit. Malolactic conversion softens the acidity into a smoother texture. The colour is a clear medium ruby. The nose shows black cherry, raspberry and plum over a cool, earthy minerality. The palate is medium bodied with fine, supple tannins, fresh acidity and a savoury, slightly spicy finish. This drinks well now but has the structure to develop. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, with a short decant. It suits duck, roast poultry and mushroom dishes.