Wine Maker: Chris Baker

Vintage: 2018

Wine Name/Vineyard: Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Wine Category: Pinot Noir

Grape blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Willamette Valley

State or country: Oregon

Price: $26.00

ABV: 13.5%

Cases produced: N/A

The Barrel Cellar Score:  88 points

Review date: May 10, 2021

About the Winemaker: This Chris Baker label was released through Nakedwines.com. The grapes used to produce this wine were sourced from around the Willamette Valley, but he recently bought one of his source Vineyards. Having his own vineyard will allow him to put a personal touch on his wines beyond what sourcing allowed.

Chris calls the Willamette Valley one of his favorite places in the world to make wine. He credit’s its layerd soils, mineral composition, and rocky environment for providing “endless” winemaking opportunity.

Color:  Plum

Nose: Earth, honeysuckle, cherry.

Taste: Earth, oak, bright cherry, and a few mineral notes.

Assessment: This wine is a typical example of a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. An earthy nose, rustic flavor, and a medium body. It’s well balanced, but doesn’t really have anything that sets it apart from the other middle of the road Pinot Noirs from the region. Those who don’t like wines with heavy tannins or a sweet nature will particularly appreciate this wine. At $26 it is a good value; it will outshine many other wines you may find in this price range.

The Barrel Cellar Rating 88 points. 

Pairing recommendation: Veal chops, pork loin with a cherry reduction, or French silk pie.