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The Evolution Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2022 is a brand of Sokol Blosser Winery (family-owned and operated) that began growing grapes and producing wine in the Willamette Valley of Oregon in 1971. This Pinot Noir is comprised of grapes from various locations in the valley. Willamette Valley Pinot Noir can get pricey, especially with estate bottlings.
The Willamette Valley, about an hour south of Portland, is a premier location for producing Pinot Noir wine. It produces some of my favorite Pinot Noir wines, and it is welcome to see a top winery make an affordable wine. I found it selling for $16.99 and it lists for $22.
The Evolution Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2022 was a strange vintage, the grapes started growing late, and then they had the second hottest summer on record, followed by a long cool spell that delayed harvest until late October. The grapes had the long growing, full season that Pinot grapes need.
This Pinot Noir was fermented and then aged for seven months in stainless steel tanks. The production notes it was aged with a touch of oak influence. I am not certain what that means, but this should be a lightly oaked Pinot Noir.
This Pinot Noir brand has done well with top wine reviewers, the 2020 and 2019 vintages received 92 and 01 points. The alcohol content is 13.5%, and recent California Pinots have had alcohol in the 14.6% range.
The Evolution Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2022 Tasting Notes
The color is a pale see-through garnet. The nose is black cherry, and it is slightly smoky, with herbs, spice, black pepper, and a savory note. The Evolution Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2022 is rich and smooth with solid fruit flavor.
This Pinot noir Tastes like tart cherry, tar, rough-edged spice, black pepper, and ripe plum. The mid-palate adds a light hit of vanilla, raspberry, cranberry, and additional exotic spice.
The tannins are sweet and the acidity does it function very well.
The Summary
- The Evolution Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2022 offers a taste of expensive Willamette Valley Pinot Noir at a very affordable price.
- Pair this wine with small plates of savory goodness.
