McKinlay Chehalem Mountains Pinot noir 2018

Take one of Oregon's most under-the-radar wineries, McKinlay, and add a one-off bottling, this lovely Chehalem Mountains, and you have super-secret-stash territory. The CM, which is entirely from McKinlay's estate vineyard, is a classic example of what the winery grows best: deliver authentic, pure Pinot noir with outstanding value. Beaming red fruits with purple lace curtains, light licorice and spice accents. Not that you would do the same, but I tasted the bottle over a week (as in 7 days) and it was still super-pretty on day 7. You won't find that kind of structure in your average $25 Pinot...nor in virtually any Pinot at that price. -Marcus