Benton-Lane First Class Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2009

In contrast, there are only 340 cases of the 2009 Pinot Noir First Class. It exhibits more of an earthy terroir character as well as more structure than the Willamette Valley cuvee. It is a shade more complex but hardly worth twice the price. Bright ruby. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of blackberry, cola and lavender, with a spicy oak note and a hint of mocha. Pliant and broad, offering sappy dark berry and cherry-vanilla flavors that pick up a smoky quality with air. Smooth and round on the finish, with the mocha note repeating. This is approachable now and would work well with rich red meat dishes. This deep ruby colored wine exhibits classic aromas of cherry and blackberries, with complex underlying scents of mocha, anise, cedar, and forest floor. Very ripe, fine tannins and balanced acidity create a rich, velvety texture that leads into an extremely long finish. The exquisite balance in this wine makes it a very versatile food wine, but it pairs exce...

WS: 91 Points RP: 90+ Points ST: 89 Points

Light and open-textured, a delicate style that offers a hint of caramel weaving through cherry and raspberry fruit, lingering enticingly under a veil of fine tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 741 cases made. -HS The much more limited (750 cases) 2008 Pinot Noir First Class is a selection of the best barrels in the cellar. It displays a more brooding bouquet containing darker fruits (black cherry and plum) along with attractive spice notes. On the palate it is firm, structured, and well balanced. It is likely to be longer lived than the Estate cuvee but no more pleasurable. Bright ruby-red. Black raspberry and cherry-cola on the nose, with complicating notes of juniper, tobacco and musky herbs. Plush red and dark berry compote flavors provide very good palate coverage. Gains sweetness with air and picks up hints of sassafras and licorice pastille, finishing with very good cling and fine-grained tannins. This is approachable now but has the depth and structure to suggest that it will reward some patience.