2009 Ayoub Wines Pinot Noir Brittan Vineyard

My favorite of the Ayoub wines is the 2009 Pinot Noir Brittan Vineyard. Veteran vigneron, Robert Brittan, has carved out a vineyard that seems to optimize the best qualities of the McMinnville AVA. In a relatively high yielding vintage, the fruit for this cuvee came in at a low 1.75 tons per acre with a pH of only 3.4. It was aged for 11 months in 35% new French oak. Stony mineral notes, allspice, incense, violets, black cherry, and blueberry aromas inform the nose of a vibrant wine whose firm acid structure nicely frames the wine’s fruit. In the glass note of licorice, and bitter-sweet chocolate make an appearance. This nicely proportioned, silky, already complex Pinot Noir is one of the stars of the vintage. Tel. (503) 805-2154; www.ayoubwines.com