2021 Lingua Franca, The Plow, Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, USA

A well-knit-together wine that shows polish and elegance. Fruit for The Plow 2021 comes from the three upper estate blocks with a unique massale selection of clone 777. Depth and sensuality come to the fore in the aromatics. Alluring notes of violet and rose petals, along with soy-scented umami. There is ample depth from the sous bois and dark fruit. The palate is so put together. Clove and cinnamon give way to mushroom-driven umami and elegantly placed black and red fruits. Savoury character abounds, but this wine's structure provides us with a sense that it will become far more showy in eight or so years.

Drink 2023 - 2035

The 2021 Pinot Noir The Plow has detailed, layered aromas of cranberry, raspberry, tea leaves, aniseed and woodsy undertones. The light-bodied palate features concentrated, nuanced flavours. It has softly astringent tannins, seamless acidity and a very long finish with a flourish of spicy accents.

Drink 2025 - 2040

Refreshing and long on the palate, the 2021 Pinot Noir The Plow pours a medium ruby hue and is expressive but needs time. It has a touch of reduction and would benefit from a decant if opening young. It opens to reveal a beautiful, elegant perfume of rosewater, tangerine, grenadine, and graphite, followed by a pure, medium-bodied red with outstanding energy and a weightless feel while retaining a wonderful tannin structure that will feel angular at first to some. It’s long on the palate and is deceiving, as it’s such a pleasure to taste now.

Drink 2024 - 2040