The Willamette Valley is chock full of small production, boutique wineries launched on a shoe-string budget and slowly building a reputation through determination, hope, and a commitment to quality. Walter Scott is among those. With their label launched in 2008 and acquiring their own facility in 2012, Ken Pahlow and Erica Landon have gradually increased their production to about 3500 cases. They are certainly one of the up-and-coming wineries to watch in this land of endless Pinot Noir.
This is their entry level Pinot Noir and at this price is a great value. Most quality Willamette Pinot is considerably more expensive.
An intense wine with aromas of black cherry, dark berry fruit and tea enlivened by peppery spice. The palate features savory, herbal flavors complementing the fruit with warm spices gracing the midpalate and firm, drying tannins supporting a long finish. The texture is angular and taut bolstered by bracing acidity that leaves a wiry impression and the oak nicely integrated with no overt woodiness. 2014 was a warm year in the Willamette Valley and many of the wines are fleshy and meaty. This one is agile and sinewy refusing to succumb to the over-ripeness that is such a temptation when the weather turns hot. Nothing ethereal or overly complex, just a very well-built wine.
By the way, should you be wondering, the winery’s name is a memorial to family members and has nothing to do with Sir Walter Scott, the early 19th Century Scottish literary figure.
Pair this with the taut energy of Elvis Costello’s Pump It Up from 1978
Score: 88
Price: $25
Alc: 13.5%
Exploring the Philosophy of Food and Wine 