2003 William Hatcher Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

In 2003, despite October's redemption, some of the younger vines rendered irretrievably ripe and tannic fruit by early September. Thus, when the selection was finished, only 18 of the 32 barrels produced comprised the final assemblage of 440 cases.

The wine is more powerful than the 2002 as was the vintage. Ruby red, it has a primary nose of raspberries, black cherries, cassis and marionberries. Underlying the fruit are hints of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. The later maturing fruit of October forms an acidic backbone to support the ripe tannins and supple, succulent fruit. An intense wine, it will benefit from at least 5 -7 years of cellaring.