2014 Thea's Selection Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

The 2014 Pinot Noir Thea's Selection comes from three AVAs and is matured in 25% new French oak. It felt quite tight on the nose at first and demanded coaxing from the glass, remaining a little chalky and earthy as it opens up. The palate is medium-bodied with supple black fruit and quite firm tannin; it is a Pinot Noir that does not quite "flow" as I was expecting. Perhaps it just needs more time in bottle? I will be conservative with my score for now, but it would not surprise me if it deserves a more generous score after a couple of years.