On a recent visit to Alloro Vineyard, I had the opportunity to taste their latest releases and also a couple of wines from 2010 which I’d not tried before. For the full low-down on Alloro and reviews of several previous releases, please see my article from last August.

2016 Alloro Vineyard Pinot Noir Releases

Alloro produces three different, estate Pinot Noir each year. The “Estate” bottling is a terroir-focused blend from the various vineyard blocks. “Riservata” also represents all blocks, but is a limited production based on a selection of barrels that are particularly rich and textured. “Justina,” also a limited release, sees a higher percentage of new oak.

2016 Alloro Estate Pinot Noir 93 14.3% 750ml $40

The estate Pinot is immediately engaging—aromatic and complex. The nose effortlessly reveals oregano, black cherry, dark red cherry, black raspberry, dark mineral, spice, and leather. Those show on the long, flavorful palate too, though the mineral is less apparent. Body is medium to medium-plus with a nice undercurrent of acidity. Fine, velvety tannins add sensuality and presence. This is really a lovely wine, which you shouldn’t hesitate to drink now but which will also improve with age.

2016 Alloro Estate Riservata Pinot Noir 92 14.3% 750ml $50

As intended, this Riservata has a darker and more intense personality than the Estate wine. All elements of the palate—body, acidity, tannin, intensity, and length—are dialed up a notch or two. Aromas and flavors include dark spice, grenadine, black cherry skin, and a blend of dry, Italian herbs. This wine’s got power, robust fruit and good aging potential. A few years in the cellar should bring nuance.

2016 Alloro Estate Justina Pinot Noir 93 14.3% 750ml $95

This vintage of Justina is more red-fruited than its brothers, showing raspberry and dark red cherry, along with oak, on both the nose and palate. Body is medium-plus and intensity very good. The plentiful tannins are fine and velvety, but finish with grip. Only 50 cases made.

A look at Alloro Vineyard 2010

Despite wet weather, 2010 worked out to be an excellent vintage qualitatively for Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Yields were often low, but the wines were generally lithe and sophisticated, especially relative to the hot 2009 which delivered ripe, chewy Pinot. 

2010 Alloro Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir 95+

In contrast to the new releases from Alloro which show their youth with vibrant, fuchsia color, the 2010 is a stately garnet. And the nose is a beautiful testament to the benefits of patience. The glass overflows with graceful aromas of drying leaves, dry herb, tea, dry grass, drying rose petal, rose hip tea, delicate spice, and plenty of sweet red cherry. The mouthwatering, medium-bodied palate paints the same picture, with intensity and length. Very fine, soft, slippery tannins with a touch of chalkiness put a sophisticated frame around everything. 

2010 Alloro Vineyard Estate Riesling 94

The weather which gave Pinot Noir juicy balance and fine bones seems to have slowed ripening of Alloro’s Riesling enough that flavors could achieve remarkable development with no sacrifice to acidity. The flavor profile is classic—kerosene, lime pith, lemon, ripe green apple, baking spice, and tart stone fruit—with pronounced intensity and great length. The palate is off-dry, about 15 gm/l of rs, which provides medium-plus body despite lowish alcohol. Soaring acidity makes the wine drink almost as if dry.

Copyright Fred Swan 2019. Images courtesy of Alloro Vineyard. All rights reserved.