TASTING NOTES: Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Cumberland Reserve 2006 91 points | $45 | 5,400 cases made | Red Smooth and ripe, with a meaty edge to the blackberry and cherry flavors, turning toward dark chocolate as the finish lingers generously. -H.S. Cumberland Reserve is a blend of the Bergstrom, de Lancellotti, Shea, Nysa, Palmer Creek, Cherry Grove, La Collina, Broadley and Bishop Creek Vineyards; showcasing the best of what Oregon's diverse appellations have to offer. These diverse lots were harvested over several weeks during the latter part of the 2005 harvest season, fermented and barrel aged in 50% new French oak barrels before being blended together after 9 months of barrel ageing. The Cumberland Reserve is always one of our most cellar-worthy wines, showing great depth of fruit and powerful structure. This wine will be at its best between 3 and 8 years after the vintage. The 2005 Cumberland Reserve showcases the best aspects of the vintage with bright acidity, dark color, lower alcohol than past vintages, wonderful red fruit character and intense spicy aromatics. This will prove to be one of our best Cumberland blends yet! Wine Spectator Notes on the 2004 Cumberland: BERGSTRÖM Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Cumberland Reserve 2004, 91 points, Velvety, round and focused on the pure currant and white pepper flavors, lingering nicely on the open-textured finish, picking up a creamy note. Best from 2008 through 2014. 1,200 cases made. —H.S. |