2016 Chapter 24 Pinot Noir Rose and Arrow 1st Highland Close

Deep, vivid red. Expansive, deeply perfumed aromas of fresh dark berries, cherry liqueur, cola, incense and potpourri, along with a hint of allspice and black tea that emerge with aeration. Offers densely packed, primary blackberry, bitter cherry and licorice flavors that tighten up slowly and become sweeter with air. Delivers a suave blend of richness and energy on the strikingly long, spice-laced finish, which is supported by chewy, steadily building tannins.

Highland Close is an extremely rocky site sitting in the high elevations (800 feet/245 m) of the centre cut of the Chehalem Mountain AVA. The fracturing of the basalt is moderate and the rocks in the vineyard are a combination of black, red (oxidised) and white (volcanic ash) basalt. At 1.88 acres (0.76 ha) Highland Close is the largest of the 'First Expressions' sites but despite its size the soils are quite uniform. 346 cases made. Mid garnet. Savoury vegy nose and real freshness and vigour. Tannins very low key. Already approachable. Attractive clean, ripe fruit already on the palate with some sweet perfume. Good drive and charm. Quite long. (JR)

This is one of Rose & Arrow's "1st expression" bottlings, denoted with a "1st" on the label. Fruit comes from the Highland Close site, located at 450 feet in elevation and planted on black, red (oxidized) and white (volcanic ash) basalt. Medium ruby in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Chehalem Highlands—Highlands Close opens with tarry/sulfury reduction, giving way with aeration to black fruits with notes of exotic spices, dried flowers, mossy bark and forest floor. Medium-bodied, it fills the mouth with warm black cherries and crushed blueberries flavors with notes of licorice, lilac and sage and a strong line of crushed rock minerality and earthy layers. It’s framed with fine, grainy tannins and good freshness, finishing long and packed with fruit. Those reductive aromas dissipated a day after the bottle was opened. 346 cases produced.