Erath, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir Leland Vineyard 2005

($40): Erath has contracted the entire Pinot Noir crop from this 4-acre vineyard every year since 1987, five years after Bruce and Ginny Weber planted it.  The wine has slightly more power than Erath’s Prince Hill Pinot Noir (reviewed this week), but maintains finesse, not coming close to the overdone, over extracted ‘Pinot Syrah’ style.  Lovely to drink now–think a small group at Thanksgiving–its harmony and balance indicates it will evolve and develop nicely over the next several years. 93 Michael Apstein Nov 25, 2008