Averaen Wines Averaen Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023 750ml

I like the crushed stone minerality here, alongside aromas of cherries, violets and cacao beans. It’s medium-bodied, firm and nicely framed. Excellent focus. Drink or hold.

The 2023 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley blossoms in the glass with a dusting of sweet spice, sandalwood and dried cherries. Creamy and textured on the palate, it gains lift and energy with air, leaving behind a resonance of raspberry candy and a gentle tug of fine tannins.

Smoked blackberries, orange cake and the trifecta of fennel, thyme and oregano aromas made for a good start. The flavors of blackcap raspberries and ginger was also nice. What acted as a distraction was the wine’s stringent tannins. This pinot with pucker power may require time or decanting.