Anam Cara Reserve Estate Pinot Noir 2011 (750ML)

90 WE

This is so light, it tastes like raspberry foam, with a dash of cola and a dusting of cocoa. This is thoroughly delicious and delicate, but sustaining. A lovely, elegant effort that captures the essence of this light vintage without sacrificing detail, length or flavor.-Wine Enthusiast

As clonally diverse as the corresponding “Nicholas” bottling – since this cuvee is always assembled from the best rows in each block – Anam Cara’s 2011 Pinot Noir Estate Reserve focuses on surprisingly jellied, sweetly ripe elderberry and dark cherry, quite possibly due to the influence of its 26% Dijon Clone 777 fruit. Mint and black tea add some interest to this straightforwardly fruity and buoyant Pinot.

Nick and Sheila Nicholas – for much more about whom and about whose Chehalem Mountains estate consult my Issue 202 introduction – did not pick their 2011 vintage Pinots until early November, and even then at must weights that resulted in low-mid 12s in alcoholic percentage and a lightness of color and carriage that some tasters might find off-putting. I found the results delightfully distinctive. A highly memorable 2007 – indeed, the sort of wine that has a profound influence on one’s thinking about early vintage assessments as well as the bottle evolution of Pinot Noir generally – concluded the outstanding line-up of Anam Cara 2011s that I tasted this July. Taken together, these wines taught me a great deal more respect and admiration for this estate.