Compton Family Wines
Alpine Cuvée
Pinot Noir 2017

$40

2017 Vintage
93 Rating – Prince of Pinot

Prince of Pinot says: “Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose exudes red cherry goodness with a side of spice and red rose aromas. Easy going in a harmonious, mid-weight style, driven by cherry and raspberry fruit flavors with a shadow of oak and a mossy, forestry undertone reflecting its Alpine origins. Focused tannins and a raspberry-themed finish of some length complete the picture. Reviewed November 14, 2021. Score: 93

2016 Vintage
93 Rating – Prince of Pinot

Prince of Pinot says: “Sourced from multiple vineyards and includes Pommard, Wädenswil, 777 and 667 clones. from the Monroe, Oregon area. Soils are Basalt and Red Jory series volcanic soils that typical show redder fruit aromas and flavors and elegant tannins. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Assertive aromas of cherry, spice, fertile earth and rock quarry. Welcome charge of juicy black cherry fruit framed by modest tannins and a touch of toasty oak. Satiny in mouthfeel, with a pleasingly luscious cherry finish. Score: 93″

14.0% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.60, 401 cases, $40, screw cap.

2016 Vintage
91 Rating – Wine Enthusiast

Firm, ripe flavors of plum and cherry combine with barrel notes from 18 months in French oak. Highlights of sandalwood, mocha and a touch of toast add length and interest to the finish. Drink now through the mid-2020s.

“Buy this, keep this, drink this!” Comments around the tasting table were universal – want, keep, savor this fascinating Pinot Noir. Most of the tasting group is from Alpine, but we tasted blind, and the enthusiasm was impartial.

Scent descriptors were plentiful as everyone contributed to the discussion – in the nose, we found chocolate, rhubarb, classic raspberry, tart pie cherry, plum, and Bing cherries. Swirling our glasses and trying the scent again kept the yumms and ahhhs going for several minutes.

Lips to wine, we were pleasantly surprised at the balance of tannins and fruit. A flavorful melange of fresh, zesty berry and dark stone sang over a bass note of and dark chocolate. The intense tannins are so velvety, they enhance the fruit and make for a collective “wow”.

Once we discovered the fruit source, we puffed up with pride that one of our local vineyards + a talented winemaker = a memorable Pinot Noir: drinkable, collectable, and cellarworthy.

2017 Vintage Review – the wine is not available at this time

90 Points Wine Enthusiast
A mix of clones, vineyards and soils, this medium-bodied wine has a pleasingly plump core of cherry fruit. There are blood-orange streaks adding some acidity as it rolls through a lightly tannic finish. Paul Gregutt