Big Table Farm Pinot Noir 2020, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Big Table Farm is the collaborative effort of Brian Marcy and Clare Carver. They are a winemaker and an artist, and grow and produce what they love to eat and drink. They moved to Oregon from Napa and bought property in the Willamette Valley, on which they plan to plant a vineyard. In the meantime, they have purchased grapes and made wine since 2006. They named their Farm and winery after their desire to provide a gracious and welcoming table for themselves and friends, with a cornucopia of hand-crafted food and wine. Ambitious as it is, they have launched a winery and are establishing a working farm, where they raise pasture poultry, pigs, cows, and egg-laying chickens. 2018 Pinot Noir – “As always this wine is a true Willamette Valley blend. The 9 different sites each with their own strengths add up to make this a delicious wine year after year. I believe the 2019 version is true to this – warm spice, cherry and blackberry on the nose, and a palate with persistent tannins and acidity that balance the fruit. All lots are treated with equal diligence, and barrel selections are made just prior to blending and bottling. All the winemaking, from picking decisions to final blending are done by taste. A comforting warmth on the nose flaunts a gorgeous impression of dried cranberry, black cherry and raspberry. Upon first sip, subtle notes of dried violets, lavender and rose hip guide the senses towards a satisfying savoriness. On the palate, ripe, red fruit and cherry-cola are enhanced by anise, white pepper, Provençal herbs, and a hint of iron minerality. Velvety tannins dance with the abundant acidity, creating a lingering finish perfect for any occasion.