MISSION NOTES: Momtazi Vineyard is a certified biodynamic site nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Range, composed primarily of uplifted marine sedimentary loams and silts with alluvial overlays and an underlying base of basalt. One of the revered vineyards in Willamette, this is our cornerstone source for Pinot noir. Many people wish they could get their hands on this fruit! An intense and deeply fruited Pinot noir, the wine displays hallmark Momtazi notes of black cherry and black raspberry, both on the nose and on the palate. Additional notes of sandalwood spice and forest floor emerge with air, giving a glimpse at the complexity to come. It's a moody, broody teenager at present, which is no surprise given the vineyard's reputation for structure. The tannins are suave but sturdy, and the well-integrated acidity holds everything together seamlessly in an enchanting marriage of power and finesse.

93 POINTS: VINOUS - Translucent ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes red berry and cherry preserves and succulent flowers, and a spicy nuance adds energetic lift. Sappy and concentrated yet lively, offering intense raspberry, cherry cola and rose pastille flavors that show fine clarity and minerally lift. Finishes very long and subtly chewy, with fine-grained tannins and resonating florality. 12% new French oak. While Brianne Day has been focusing more on expanding her range of red, white, pink and orange-ish wines, especially from southern Oregon, her Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs have never been better. Made from fruit drawn from the famed Momtazi and Johan vineyards, and from hot vintages, no less, these are all finely detailed and energetic wines that favor finesse over power. I have little doubt that these 2017s and 2018s will age gracefully, but they are quite seductive already, and their tannic structures are anything but strict. The use of oak is judicious, which adds to their appeal right now.