Patricia Green Cellars is renowned for its captivating single-vineyard Oregon Pinot Noirs. The 2016 Estate Vineyard, Etzel Block bottling is a testament to the winery's skill and offers a glimpse into the unique terroir of their home vineyard.

Patricia Green Cellars: A Legacy of Excellence

Patricia Green Cellars, founded in 2000, is a pillar of Oregon winemaking. Their wines consistently express elegance, balance, and a profound sense of place. Each vineyard is meticulously farmed to highlight its distinctive characteristics.

Estate Vineyard and the Etzel Block

Patricia Green's Estate Vineyard lies within the Ribbon Ridge AVA, famed for producing Pinot Noirs with depth and finesse. The Etzel Block, planted in 1987, is one of the oldest on the property. Its name honours a neighbouring winegrower, Mike Etzel, underscoring the strong sense of community within the region.

2016: A Stellar Oregon Vintage

The 2016 growing season in Oregon delivered near-perfect conditions for Pinot Noir. Warm, consistent weather led to exceptional ripeness while retaining the grape's signature freshness and vibrancy.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby red with potential for a slight brick rim, suggesting its maturity.

• Aroma: Expect a layered bouquet of black cherry, dark plum, hints of spice, forest floor, and a subtle earthy minerality.

• Palate: Medium-bodied with concentrated dark fruit flavours, spice notes, and a touch of earthiness. Vibrant acidity provides lift and refined tannins offer structure.

• Finish: Long and persistent, with lingering red fruit and hints of spice

Food Pairings

The 2016 Estate Vineyard, Etzel Block demands flavorful and carefully considered dishes:

• Roasted Quail: Ideal with gamey birds with delicate flavours.

• Wild Mushroom Dishes: Truffle-infused pasta or a simple mushroom sauté.

• Herb-Crusted Lamb: Complements the herbs without overpowering the wine's subtleties.

Ageing Potential

While approachable now, this wine has the potential to continue evolving gracefully for several more years under ideal cellaring conditions. Expect the tannins to soften further and tertiary notes of leather, earth, and spice to develop.

Where to Find It

Older, single-block bottlings from respected producers can be hard to come by. Try these options:

• Direct from the Winery: Patricia Green Cellars occasionally releases library wines – inquire directly.

• Online Auctions: Check out platforms specializing in older vintages.

• Specialty Wine Retailers: Some shops focusing on aged Oregon Pinot Noir might have it in stock.

A Quintessential Oregon Pinot Noir

The 2016 Patricia Green Estate Vineyard, Etzel Block Pinot Noir showcases the winery's commitment to quality and the pedigree of Oregon's esteemed Ribbon Ridge AVA. It's a wine for Pinot Noir enthusiasts seeking a glimpse into the evolution of these complex and age-worthy wines.