2005 Penner-Ash Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

The 2005 Pinot Noir, of which there are 1300 cases, was sourced from a variety of terroirs. Medium ruby-colored, it offers a lovely perfume of pain grille, cherry, cola, and black raspberry. In the mouth, the vibrant acidity and tannin of 2005 is revealed but the wine also possesses a broad band of sweet, ripe fruit to provide balance. All components are well-integrated in this harmonious effort. Drink it over the next 8-10 years. Lynn Penner-Ash had a long, successful career at Rex Hill before starting her namesake winery with her husband Ron in 1998. They are now ensconced in a new gravity-flow winery of their own design. She describes the 2005 vintage as “challenging” both because of the weather and because it was their first vintage in the new winery. Tel. (503) 554-5545; www.pennerash.com. Also tasted: 2006 Viognier (90), 2006 Riesling (90), 2005 Syrah (90)