Gerard Raphet, Clos Roche

Gerard Raphet, Clos Roche(from a . 33 ha parcel, two thirds of which was replanted in 1982 with the remaining vines planted in the 1920s). An exuberantly spicy nose combines pretty floral and fresh red pinot fruit with floral, wood and sauvage hints. The supple medium weight flavors possess fine volume as well as excellent length if only average depth on the balanced and firmly structured finale. Patience advised in order that more complexity can develop.

Ends with a mouthwatering

The 2011 Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti is deep

The 2019 Shiraz Viognier is from a low-yielding (down around 15% to 20%)

(30+ year old vines located in Etelois

This also flirts with the exotic but remains pure and fresh and I like the fine layering of the airy aromas of acacia blossom

with excellent depth to its red and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors

Soter found that these tiny berries more easily retain elasticity and hence phenolic quality in the Willamette Valley than they did in more heat-prone Northern California

serious and very much built-to-age finale

The velvety and exceptionally rich flavors possess a different and more seductive texture than usual if perhaps a bit less minerality

Mature in color

Dark cherry fruit

There is a lot to admire considering that the couple had only recently taken over the running of the property