2015 Bow & Arrow, Pinot Noir/Gamay “Rhinestones” Willamette Valley, Oregon.
Scott Frank’s Rhinestones 2015 maybe the best under $25 wine I’ve ever tasted from Oregon, in fact the 2015 is so good, I almost prefer it to some over $50 Pinot Noir offerings, this is serious stuff that really delivers the quality and depth you’d not maybe expect from this fun blend. Sourced from organic/biodynamic vineyards, mostly Johan Vineyards, and picked a bit early Bow & Arrow gets detailed ripeness, but with zesty freshness of acidity and the fruit is very gently handed with partial whole cluster and a traditional Loire Valley style low oak winemaking employed. Like Passetoutgrains in Burgundy or Cheverny in the Loire this blend has long been an interesting marriage of varietals with the Pinot Noir giving beauty, depth and earthy charms while the Gamay gives color, vibrancy and fruitiness. This wine goes even further with this vintage taking to a new level, this Rhinestones will change all perception on what can be achieved with this blend of grapes and it should be honored as one of the great terroir wines of it’s generation, and it redefines Oregon’s paradigm! The 2015 Rhinestones by Bow & Arrow starts with a nose of dark roses, spice, truffle and blue fruits leading to a vivid palate of black cherry, blueberry, plum and tart currant fruits along with walnut/cedar, peppery stones, sage/mint/anise, cinnamon and iron/mineral tones finishing long and lingering with strawberry, earthy beet root and lavender. The texture is amazing and the mouth feel is exceptional considering how alive and bright this brilliant medium weight wine is, it is a satiny stunner with glorious vitality and grace, don’t over think the grapes or label, this wine is the new Oregon and it deserves your open mind and attention, drink this over the next 5 to 10, what a truly fantastic effort! I’m a huge fan of Frank’s wines, but this is by far the best best vintage of Rhinestones, also look for their straight Gamay Noir, Melon (Think bone dry leesy Muscadet) and Sauvignon Blanc, these Loire inspired wines are lovely Oregon surprises that will thrill and seduce the senses.
($24 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
