2013 St. Innocent, Pinot Noir, Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon.
Mark Vlossek’s 2013 St. Innocent Momtazi is an elegant expression of vintage and terroir with supple layers, beautiful detail and complexity of character, I was entranced by this one. Sandwiched between blockbuster vintages the 2013, which gets a bit overlooked, has turned out with a mixed bag of wines, but some really shine and this St. Innocent is one of those happy surprises to cherish. Momtazi is certainly turning out to be a gorgeous site for top Pinot fruit, this biodynamic vineyard sits on the slopes of the McMinnville AVA and has a deserved reputation for quality and Vlossek has done a masterful job with these grapes to make, and I know it is cliche, a fine Burgundy like wine with divine lightness and savory contrast that reminds me of a lovely Chambolle-Musigny. The 2013 Momtazi starts with delicate scents of wilted roses and violets, smoke, flinty mineral and tart fennel with strawberry, raspberry, soft plum, red peach and fresh picked cherry fruits on the palate in a decedent medium weighted Pinot Noir frame as well as some wet earth, herbal tea, shaved cinnamon and cedary spices. There is just a tiny bit of shyness mid way through that keeps this very impressive wine from reaching a higher rating, but I think it will fill out and evolve with the potential to reward patience in 3 to 5 years if not 10, I’ve had remarkable success from St. Innocent in the cellar, and this one is just so seductive I forgive minor flaws at this stage, this light ruby hued, floral toned Pinot is full of grace, vibrancy and finishes with length, a touch of saltiness and tangy currant, very hard to resist indeed.
($36 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
