It's always amazing to drink wines that you aren't familiar with, only to find out that they surprise you in a big way. There are still a significant group of wine enthusiasts who snub their noses at screw top wines, to which we just laugh or shake our heads. From a winemaker's or vintner's perspective - no cork taint! Do we need to say more?
This is the 2023 Cedar + Salmon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley red wine from 3 Badge Beverage. Don't peek to the end to see the price yet, because you won't believe it considering this is 100% Willamette Valley juice.
Mulberry color in the glass, this wine left us pleasantly perplexed after some air time in the glass and introduction of oxygen with some nice swirling. Dried rose petal, plum, and black cherry fragrances appear on the nose, leading an introduction to a myriad of flavors. We first picked up the traditional Pinot Noir gentle flavors of red raspberry, cherry and dried herbs. Some additional swirling and tasting brought us the smallest hint of clove, joined by button mushrooms and cola.
The finish was typical for Pinot Noir, which is not particularly lingering, but the flavors danced for moments, inviting you back to the next sip. We really enjoyed this wine and it is absolutely solid.
ABV: 14.0%
Willamette Valley AVA
Winery: Cedar + Salmon Wines
Suggested retail price: $24.99
Drink The Bottles score: 90/100
