2006 Spirithouse Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir
Knudsen Vineyards
Dundee Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon
2006 Spirithouse Pinot Noir Tasting Notes
This is a refined, sneaker of a wine! The aroma is bright with an appealing purity. Look for luscious red fruit, like raspberry and cherry made deeper by fresh earth, new leather, and a hint of black pepper spices. The flavor is pure and, dare I say it, "elitist". The red fruits are fresh and ripe, fresh earth integrates with spicy, almost floral, flavors. The juicy center is signature Spirithouse. The wine is youthful now, but will "sneak up" on you with the power and richness I have come to expect from this wine.
Wine Scores and Reviews for 2006 Spirithouse Pinot Noir
- 2006: Wine Advocate 94 "The 2006 Pinot Noir Spirithouse Knudsen Vineyard is medium/dark ruby with a splendid aromatic array of mineral, earth, cedar, spice box, and red and black fruits, Silky smooth, layered, bordering on opulent, and very sexy, this Pinot Noir will evolve for 2-3 years and be at its best from 2010 to 2018. While the focus of this report is on 2006 Pinot Noir, it is undeniable that Argyle Winery is producing among the best sparkling wines made in the USA and they cannot be ignored. Argyle is also the hangout of veteran vigneron Rollin Soles who knows as well as anyone what’s happening in the Oregon wine scene. Argyle’s Pinot Noirs have a bit more competition than the Sparkling Wines but they have been up to the challenge for quite some time."
- 2006: Wine Spectator Insider 92 "Lithe, polished and appealing for the transparency of its raspberry, blackberry and sweet leather flavors, lingering gently on the harmonious, almost delicate finish. Drink now through 2014. -HS"
- 2005: Wine Spectator 93 "Polished and generous. A wine of appealing transparency that lets the creamy, floral cherry, plum and raspberry flavors hover gracefully over superfine tannins. It all lingers beautifully, suggesting a good future. Drink now through 2015. -HS"
- 2005: International Wine Cellar 90 "Medium red color. Intensely floral scents of zesty red berries, rose, magnolia, Asian spices and pungent herbs. Sappy raspberry and cherry flavors gain richness with air while maintaining a vibrant personality. Tangy cherry skin and baking spice notes dominate the long, juicy finish of this nicely balanced wine."
- 2002: Wine Advocate 92+ "It's beautifully penetrating medium to full-bodied seamless character springs forth with soy sauce, black cherries, blackberries, spices and hints of roasted oak. Broad, concentrated and long-finishing wine Anticipated maturity - now through 2014."
- 2001: Wine Advocate 92 "The 2005 Pinot Noir "Spirithouse" is sourced from the Knudsen Vineyard. It is a more muscular version of the Reserve and slightly more austere in style. It will need 6-8 years to loosen up and show its full potential. The ingredients are present, but patience will be required."
