
Holocene Memorialis Pinot Noir 2023
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98 points Wine Enthusiast: "Memorialis is quietly becoming one of Oregon's best Pinot Noirs. A Bing cherry aroma slinks its way up from the glass, followed by spicy whispers of cardamom and cinnamon. Straw and chalkboard dust scents seal the deal. After a tannic black tea note materializes on the palate, the wine's cranberry and raspberry flavors punch the tart button. You can feel the tannins, but they aren't grippy. The acidity, however, lets you know it is ready for juicy business."
High ratings can be a mixed bag. For example: last year, Holocene Memorialis Pinot Noir 2022 received the double whammy of having Wine Enthusiast's Oregon reviewer, a former Oregon retailer with extensive experience tasting Willamette Pinots, who is actually based in Oregon, pose the question "is this the best Pinot Noir in Oregon?" along with a 97 point rating. It was a fantastic way to help introduce Pinot fans to Holocene's wines, and customers spent months telling us how much they liked it. But once it was gone and we contemplated the next vintage, 2023, we thought, how on earth how do we follow that up?
Here's how: first, we taste the 2023 Memorialis and my note begins "this wallops the '22!" Then, the new review from Wine Enthusiast hits: 98 points, plus "Memorialis is quietly becoming one of Oregon's best Pinot Noirs." Dude, there's nothing quiet about the review nor about the truth—Memorialis is one of Oregon's best Pinots, boom, end of story. If you liked the '22, you will love the 2023. If you missed the '22, do not miss this vintage!
Us: There's nothing quiet about it. This wallops the 2022, a task I didn't think possible. If the note above is a little esoteric for you, try this: even more layers of succulent red fruit than '22 and an even more wonderfully plush texture—dear lord this is good—and such a complete wine in overall balance, persistence, and feel. It's hard to guarantee that everyone will like a wine but if you like Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, this comes mighty close to that guarantee.
2022 vintage notes
97 points Wine Enthusiast: "The Memorialis asks a rather provocative question—is the best Pinot Noir in Oregon being made in Milton-Freewater? 100% whole cluster fermented, this aromatic set of briary and brambly red fruit makes me want to dab it on my pulse points. Leathery tannins and crisp acidity join forces with tangy flavors of raspberries and rooibos tea with a lemon wedge. Enjoy 2024–2037."
96 points Owen Bargreen: "The nose is downright killer with wild blackberry, tobacco leaf and orange blossom notes. The palate is plush and dense with heady black and red fruit flavors. Very mineral-laden, this is dense and delicious Oregon Pinot Noir that is built to age. Drink 2024-2038."
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How it works:
If you haven't found a full case (12 bottles) to buy today, start your Build a Case® order now by purchasing a few bottles online, by phone or email. If you order online, select the Build a Case® option. If by phone or email, just ask us to add the bottles to a Build a Case® order for you. You'll receive order confirmation and we'll cellar the wines for you at no charge.
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