2018 Walter Scott - Pinot Noir Cuvee Ruth

A selection of barrels from some of their best vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills, including Seven Springs, Sojourner, Lewman, and, making its Walter Scott debut, X Novo Vineyard Pinot Noir. 30% whole cluster, 10 months in barrel, of which 40% new. pH for their Pinots is 3.6–3.7. Unfined and unfiltered. Cuvée Ruth is a wine dedicated to the memory of Ruth and Irv Kantor, parents of Erica Landon and Ken Pahlow's business partner Sue.  Mid cherry red. Delicate but definite aroma of fresh red fruits, more crunchy than sweet, with a fine scented quality that is both floral and a little stemmy and perhaps very slightly reductive (smoky/mineral) on first opening. Pure-fruited with only very subtle signs of oak on the nose. Pretty yet with depth and elegance and a slight and attractive earthiness. On the palate, the oak shows a little more, perhaps increasing the fruit and tannin structure, though it is not in the least an oaky wine. The structure is also, apparently, to do with the very dry vintage and resultant thick skins. More structured than I expected though it is very young. Juicy within that structure and seems to become more savoury on the day after opening. The acidity is lovely, just right to lift the fruit but not exaggerate the tannins. Youthful, of course, but harmonious already. The tannins finish dry yet refined and only just a little chewy for now. The finish is long and mouth-watering, the sweetness of fruit lingering on the finish and perfectly harmonised with the tannins. Not quite ready yet and should age well. (JH)

Dark, bright-hued red. Intensely perfumed, mineral-accented red berry and cherry scents are complemented by suggestions of star anise and candied flowers. Silky and appealingly sweet, offering sappy raspberry, cherry and rose pastille flavors energized by a smoky mineral quality. Shows excellent clarity and spicy cut on the persistent finish, which is framed by subtle, even tannins. 40% new oak.