The 2005 Pinot Noir “La Colina Vineyard” spent 10 months in French oak, was fermented with native yeasts, and was bottled unfiltered. Nevertheless, the nose is muted revealing more oak than fruit aromas. This is followed by a medium-bodied wine with elevated acidity and a firm structure. The fruit for balance is barely adequate, It wants to be racy and elegant but there is not enough meat on the bones.
Torii Mor Vineyard & Winery is normally a reliable source for excellent Pinot Noir. However, the winery obviously struggled with the conditions presented by the 2005 vintage.
Tel: (503) 554-6740; www.toriimorwinery.com. Also tasted: 2006 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley (84), 2005 Pinot Noir “Hawk’s View Vineyard” Chehalem Mountains (84), 2005 Pinot Noir “Deux Verres,” Willamette Valley (83)