Josh Raynolds of Vinous Gives Panther Creek Pinots 90+ in Oregon Pinot Noir Wine Report (2015)

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THE REVIEWS

2013 Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir – 91 points
Vivid red. Suave, oak-spiced red fruit and floral pastille scents are complicated by suggestions of cola and sassafras. Juicy and incisive on the palate, offering sweet raspberry and mocha flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes smooth, spicy and long, with dusty, slow-building tannins contributing backbone.

2013 Kalita Vineyard Pinot Noir – 91 points
Dark red. Aromas of fresh red and dark berries and candied rose, with deeper cola and licorice notes building in the glass. On the palate, zesty redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors deepen with air, picking up a suggestion of spicecake. Closes energetic and long, with resonating spiciness, building tannins and a lingering floral pastille quality.

2013 De Ponte Vineyard Pinot Noir – 90 points
Deep red with a bright rim. Lively, focused aromas of fresh red berries, peppery spices and musky rhubarb. Clean and nervy on the palate, offering bitter cherry and redcurrant flavors firmed by tangy acidity and a hint of orange pith. Turns sweeter on the firm-edged finish, which hangs on with good spicy tenacity.

2013 Fir Crest Vineyard Pinot Noir – 90 points
Full red. Sharply focused scents of fresh red berries, lavender and white pepper. Enters the mouth taut and spicy, then turns fleshier and sweeter in the mid-palate, offering juicy raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of succulent herbs. Dusty tannins firm the lingering finish.

2013 Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir – 90 points
Dark red. High-pitched red berry and floral scents, along with hints of blood orange and white pepper. Silky and incisive on the palate, offering gently sweet raspberry and cherry flavors that tighten up in the middle. Finishes focused and juicy, with excellent lift and cut and late-arriving dusty tannins.

2013 Schindler Vineyard Pinot Noir – 90 points
Bright ruby-red. A complex bouquet evokes ripe black raspberry and cherry pit, with a smoky note coming up with air. Fleshy dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors become sweeter and deeper on the back half while maintaining an urgent character. Finishes on a spicy note, with smooth tannins sneaking in late to add shape and grip to the persistent finish.

2012 Kalita Vineyard Pinot Noir – 90 points
Brilliant red. Fresh red berries and peppery spices on the fragrant nose and palate. Juicy and light on its feet, showing a subtle floral quality and a firm mineral spine. In a brisk, racy style, especially for the vintage. Closes taut and spicy, with very good spicy tenacity and smooth tannins.

2012 Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir – 90 points
Vivid ruby-red. Sexy aromas of dark berries and lavender, with notes of cola and sandalwood emerging with aeration. Smooth and expansive on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors complemented by cola and white pepper. Closes smoky and sweet, with harmonious tannins and building spiciness.