Benton Lane First Class Pinot Noir 2012

The intriguing dark rosewood color of this wine is accentuated by tantalizing aromas. The dominant fruit scents favor black plums, currants and other darker fruits, with more complex aromas of graphite and smoked meats.

On the palate, one finds savory flavors of mocha and Italian herbs, rounded out by fruity nuances of black raspberries and Van cherries. Built to last, this wine will gracefully age for 5-8 years, further complimenting the luscious and expansive mouth feel with aged pinot noir characteristics.

Steve and Carol Girard have been owners of Benton-Lane since 1988. Carol and Steve shared a passionate desire to produce great Pinot Noir but decided their native California was probably not the best place in which to make it. Instead, they headed to Oregon where the cooler climate offered the possibility of producing Pinot Noir with better balance and structure.After countless months of looking at possible properties, Carol and Steve discovered an old sheep ranch called "Sunnymount" in the southern Willamette Valley. It was immediately apparent Sunnymount held great potential as a vineyard site. The property is in the foothills of the costal mountain range on the west side of the valley with hillsides sloping east by southeast, a perfect orientation for planting Pinot Noir.