We have been sitting on this gem since our 2013 visit to the Willamette Valley and last night was the right night for its opening. Grilled tuna steaks and a red pepper, white onion, and yellow squash medley (also grilled) begged for the pinot noir. This occasion also demanded usage of our Riedel Vinum XL glasses for proper nosing and tasting.
Immediate lovely scents of earthy green forest and minerality presented themselves. Some candied dry apple also showed itself. Upon tasting, candy
The great Archery Summit Looney Vineyard 2010 along with my clean laundry in the background
apple and blackberries please the palette. The finish is quite long and lingering. I find it a very concentrated wine with plenty of fruit, flavor, and nose. The 2010 growing season produced lower harvests, but the grapes enjoyed a longer hang than normal, thus allowing this vintage to produce fewer bottles with bigger flavors. Not as nuanced as other vintages, I find the 2010 bottles ready to drink sooner, as is this one.
Wine Spectator 93 Points: “Dark and ripe, with a tangy streak of minerality that plays its rock and stone elements against the generous blackberry and black currant flavors, finishing with finesse. Drink now through 2020. 550 cases made. –HS
My sisters and brothers on Cellartracker do not agree with my assessment, giving it an 89.8 community score. Mostly, this is due to the price – $85!! Pricey, but worth it.
T-Scale rating: 93 points. A very good wine, ready now. I don’t see it getting any better, go ahead and drink it.