Lemelson Vineyards Thea's Selection Pinot Noir 2006

BN#235862

Lemelson Vineyards

The 2006 Thea’s is more fragrant than we remember. The nose combines floral aromas of roses and violets with raspberry, framboise, boysenberry and briary, earthy tones. The palate is sweetly fruited with plum, black cherry and blueberry showing on the rich mid-palate, while the finish remains lively and fresh with subtle tarragon and earth.

Wine Enthusiast

Thea’s Selection is Lemelson’s “measuring stick” Pinot Noir, as it is a blend of blocks from the different estate vineyards. This elegant release emphasizes aromas of pungent herbs, lifted with hints of rose petal and briary berry. In the mouth there is a lively, sappy, fruit-centric focus, showing concentrated raspberry (framboise) flavors. In short, a thoroughly delicious bottle that makes the case for blends over most single-vineyard offerings in Oregon.

Score: 90. —Paul Gregutt, December 15, 2008.

International Wine Cellar

Medium red. Smoky red berry and cherry compote aromas are complicated by sassafras and herbal notes, along with a hint of cola. Fleshy and round, offering sweet black raspberry and candied cherry flavors, supple tannins and slow-building spiciness. Clings impressively on the finish and strongly repeats the cherry note.

Score: 90. —Stephen Tanzer, May 01, 2009.

Wine Advocate

The Pinot Noir portfolio begins with the entry-level 2006 Pinot Noir Thea’s Selection. Medium ruby-colored, it exhibits a nose of earth notes, cherry, and raspberry. Supple-textured and easy-going, the wine is well-balanced, lengthy, and has no hard edges. Drink it over the next four years.

Score: 89. —Jay Miller, October 2008.