2017 Duck Pond Cellars Pinot Noir St Jory Willamette Valley

The nose combines a touch of smoke and earth that immediately jumps from the glass with a bit of dried leaves and forest floor. The palate shows the same bright fresh fruit flavors that were evident on the nose, along with the charred wood and smoke character. Purple flowers, mushroom, potting soil, and wood spice linger on the finish with a fresh, firm acidity and moderate tannin profile. The structure/fruit balance is quite nice with polished tannins and fresh acidity that keeps the wine vibrant, but doesn’t draw attention. The finish is clean and long, with ripe cherry, pine needles, and forest floor earth.