2009 Dukes - Pinot Noir Charlotte

A Duke’s Family 2009 Pinot Noir Charlotte delivers a slightly sweet-sour amalgam of tart-edged dried cherry and toasty, caramelized oak. Happily, the mid-palate presence here is satisfyingly juicy despite its dried berry aspect and prominent oak, but the latter gets the upper hand in a finish that seems to reflect a diminution of vinous energy. I don’t expect that enough complexity could emerge here to merit holding, and I’m skeptical the wood will better-integrate, so I’d opt to drink this over the next couple of years. Pat and Jackie Dukes began their operation in 2005 and moved from Arizona and into their own winemaking facility in 2008. None of the high-density plantings of late-model Dijon clones that characterize their Eola Hills vineyards have reached ten years of age. The Dukes got their start with the assistance of Gary Andrus and since Andrus’ death in early 2009 Kelly Kindneigh has taken over winemaking duties. Tel. (503) 835-0620