The Story
The Jezebel Oregon Pinot Noir 2017 is a blend of 52% Willamette Valley and 48% Southern Oregon grapes. There are 5 AVAs due south of Willamette Valley. While most of these areas tend to be warmer and dry, there are still plenty of cool locations to grow Pinot Noir. Jezebel is the 2nd label for Willful Wine Company, Pam Walden owner and winemaker.
Her 2017 Jezebel Blanc Blend made Wine Enthusiasts Top 100 Wine Buys of 2017. The Jezebel Oregon Pinot Noir is fermented in small batches, using a large variety of yeasts. Each wine yeast has its own characteristics and flavors that it imparts into the wine. The technical notes do not mention oak barrels, but the small lot fermentation suggests that maybe neutral oak barrels were used.
This is a drink-it-now Pinot Noir. Fruit-forward and easy to drink, but still very much a real Oregon Pinot Noir. At less than 2,500 cases produced, the Jezebel Pinot is as close to a boutique as you get for well under $20. I found it on sale for $15. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The Tasting Notes
The color is a shiny, see-thru garnet red. The nose is black cherry, herbs, spice, crushed autumn leaves, pepper, and bread pudding. This is a light to medium Pinot, with excellent acidity, the first sip is very promising. It tastes of ripe, tart cherries, a slap of herbs, a dash of pepper spice, and a hint of vanilla. The mid-palate offers slightly sour cranberry, a brush of chocolate powder, orange zest, and light exotic spice. The acidity is solid and gives the flavors time to unfold. The finish is delicate and lengthy.
The Summary
- The Jezebel is both an easy to drink, fruit forward Pinot and a real-deal example of Oregon Pinot Noir. Good job!
- Though not as ghostly and ethereal as the pricey Oregon Pinot Noir, it is a solid Pinot at a value price.
- At the moment, I think my favorite wines are Oregon Pinot Noirs. I am known to be subject to change, but the Jezebel Pinot Noir is drinking especially well for a sub $20 Oregon Pinot Noir.
