2017 Brut Rosé -Lytle-Barnett

A strikingly complex and nuanced procession of white strawberry, fresh nectarine, Rainier cherry, and grapefruit zest delicately dances with impressive electricity and elegance while complicating impressions of flaky croissant and freshly-baked fruit pastry reveal a beguiling autolytic edge. Dainty floral wafts of wildflowers and carnations softly lift aromatics while a pleasant hint of dried pine needle subtly imparts a dash of organic charm. A mild dusting of cinnamon playfully reveals the presence of understated baking spices that rise above clean earthy notes of chalk and saline minerality. Brilliantly pristine, focused, and seductive on the palate with incredible dimension and depth shining within its airy and ethereal frame; exhibiting a classy yet downright riveting presentation that is bright, balanced, brimming with attractive evervescence. Medium-minus in body and effortlessly bursting with fresh acidity. This 2017 Brut Rosé by Lytle-Barnett is a pretty and perfectly-executed sparkling wine from Oregon's Eola-Amity Hills.

Although it is a region largely specialized in the production of complex and characterful red wine made from Pinot Noir, the Willamette Valley is wonderfully suited to the production of sparkling wine where Pinot is also often the star of the show. This bottling, crafted by Lytle-Barnett using 70% Pinot Noir/30% Chardonnay grown in the Eola-Amity Hills, proves just how magical Pinot-based bubbly from Oregon can be. This wine possesses a delicate yet highly layered flavor profile led by berry, citrus, and stone fruits bolstered in complexity by intriguing bready notes, soft florals, balanced spice, and gorgeous minerality. The nearly 5 years it spent aging on its lees before disgorgement combined with its natural mineral earthiness give it a decidedly Champagne-like feel, and although ready to drink today it is structured to age and improve in bottle for another 3-5 years or more. Wow.