Tasting Notes: The 2022 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a classic interpretation of the “Black Label” from Torii Mor. The wine displays rich aromas of fresh raspberries, sweet and plump dark cherries with complex mushrooms-earth-oak notes and framed by notes of vanilla and spices. The flavors are forward yet elegant with harmony of acidity, sweetness and spiciness leading to fresh bright red and dark fruit. The wine is enhanced by aspects of white pepper and oak spices and a touch of earth complexity. The mouthfeel is lush, complex and spicy. The finish is long, opulent and sweet, with the complexity of fruit, zesty tannins and savory earth notes.

Winemaking: Harvested from October 7th to October 26th, the Willamette Valley Pinot noir grapes were handpicked at 22.3 to 24.9 Brix, sorted, fermented with minimal whole clusters for 12 to 26 days, with 3 punch downs a day, aged for 10 months in mostly French oak with some Hungarian oak

The barrels were racked and in April following Malo-Lactic fermentation and again in August when the blend was put together, then stored in tanks until bottling.

Decanter: “Torii Mor’s Black Label has long been a part of their brand’s story. The 2022 vintage tells of an early frost and secondary buds, all culminating in some of the best October weather the Willamette Valley has ever seen, and it was needed in this cool, slow vintage. This bottling comes from seven Willamette Valley sits. It’s a touch shy at first, and then aromatics of ripe strawberries, dark cherry flesh, loads of turned earth, and even a touch of smoke clove all making a showing. The wine opens on the palate with fresh, generous fruits, ripe red berries, savoury herbs and a tart squeeze of blood orange.”

James Suckling: “Polished, expressive and lightly spiced, this pinot bursts with aromas of redcurrants, white pepper and a whisper of forest floor. Some flinty, mineral notes, too. The medium-bodied palate is supple and fresh, with a fine tannin structure and a juicy, seamless finish. Bright and focused. Drink now.”