It is challenging to resist an aroma that conjures memories of a boysenberry pie cooling on my grandmother's kitchen counter. The fruit is joined by additional aromas of violets, duff and cedar. These tannins ripple and flex like the muscles of a black panther. They prowl in support of tart mulberry, sweet Tahitian vanilla and espresso flavors.

Tightly focused and densely structured, with deep flavors of blueberry and cherry highlighted by dusky spices and black tea as this gathers tension and tannins on the firm finish.

Coming from WillaKenzie soils in Yamhill-Carlton, the 2023 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard is all 777 clone and pours a youthful ruby red color. It's another highly expressive wine with wild berries and wild herbs taking charge, with juniper, saddle leather, and very pretty notes of wild raspberries starting to shine through and take the lead as it opens. Medium-bodied, this wine exhibits a refined texture with fine tannins, refreshing acidity, and a mouthwatering finish.

Enticing aromas of pomegranates and dried spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom waft from the glass, together with lavender, toasted orange peel, purple plums and licorice. It's medium-bodied, spicy and concentrated, but cool and lightweight at the same time, with silky tannins and a long, supple finish. Drink or hold.

The 2023 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard opens with savory tones of flint, iron and leather that slowly give way to scents of red cherry, blackberry, bergamot and violet. The full-bodied palate has concentrated, spicy flavors. It's structured by chalky tannins and mouthwatering acidity and has a long, layered finish.

Crushed red cherry, rose petal, & a whisper of coastal breeze, bringing freshness & aromatic lift. On the palate, the wine is taut & precise, revealing layers of pomegranate, wild strawberry, and Mandarin orange zest, underscored by hints of bergamot and savory tarragon. There's a mineral streak that runs through the mid-palate, tightening the frame and stretching the finish. Better in 2026. Highly recommended.