Today we’re taking a venture over to the Eola-Amity Hills AVA of the greater Willamette Valley, Oregon. Another beautiful Pinot Noir from Panther Creek and—sorry, no—this one does not come with a slice of pizza. (Though, it totally could.)
About the Wine: The Panther Creek 2015 Schindler Vineyard Pinot Noir is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes sourced from Shindler Vineyard in the Eola Amity Hills AVA of Willamette Valley, Oregon. The wine aged in 100% French oak barrels (35% new) for 8 months.
14.5% ABV
Flavor Profile: Open the bottle of the Panther Creek 2015 Schindler Vineyard Pinot Noir to breathe in unctuous aromas of blackberry jam and a kind of red-meat, au jus-like umami. This Pinot Noir presents a light pink-rouge on the pour, settling into the glass just the same color, but with a more luminescent hue.
Initial aromas are bright with cranberry and boysenberry, with subtle hints of florals and a vivacious acidic line. Breathe deep—can you smell just a bit of an ocean breeze? Swirl, and add a bit of cacao and herbaceous notes like basil or mint. Float the nose just above the glass to find the dust of the earth sprinkled amongst the fruit and florals.
The palate of the Panther Creek 2015 Schindler Vineyard Pinot Noir is soft like silk on the tongue and down the throat. The acid starts off calm, then gently escalades toward a tingling on the tongue and a long, luxurious finish. Tannins are soft, though nearly negligible. Dominant flavors are of cranberry, boysenberry, herbs, bramble, and old, marine-like soil minerality.
Food Pairing:I paired the Panther Creek 2015 Schindler Vineyard Pinot Noir with a seared salmon fillet and roasted veggies. I loved how the salmon added a fullness and roundness to the mouthfeel wine. The roasted veggies (of which there were several different kinds) highlighted the herbaceous qualities in the wine and also called out a bit more of the tannic texture (in a good way). Loved this pairing and would definitely do it again.
More Info: I received the Panther Creek 2015 Schindler Vineyard Pinot Noir as a sample for review. (Cheers Madelaine!) Price: $50. For more information about Panther Creek, their wines, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Panther Creek Cellars website.
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