2008 Lenn̩ "Karen's Pommard" Yamhill-Carlton District Pinot Noir

The 2008 Pinot Noir Karen‰۪s Pommard is darker in color with a super-expressive and already complex nose of pain grille, mineral and terroir notes, spice box, incense, black cherry and black raspberry. Dense, rich, and packed with flavor, this exceptionally lengthy effort will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and offer prime drinking from 2014 to 2028. Owner/winemaker Steve Lutz owns a steep, warm 15 acre site in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Each year the wines seem to get better (although it was tough to miss in 2008). The little secret here, however, is that Lutz makes a sensational Rose. (JM)