88+ 2010 Bethel Heights Casteel Reserve Pinot Noir (Eola-Amity Hills) 10/1/12 ($60)
12.8% alc
Color: Medium deep black/purple cherry. (3.0) Bouquet: Black pepper complements tart black cherry fruit with some carmelized brown sugar. A little restrained at present. (2.5) Body: Excellent acidity and very good fruit and tannins with a healthy dose of oak. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with tangy, attractive fruit and a subtle herbal complexity. (2.5) Finish: Flavors are most lively here. (3.0)
Overall: This has an interesting, Burgundian style with excellent acidity-based structure, but the fruit is restrained at present. Should improve in the next 2-4 years. (14.0)
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