Bright red cherry, white carnations, fresh cranberry. Crunchy raspberry, rosemary sprig, underripe strawberry. Pomegranate seeds and rhubarb, turned earth and a tinge of iron. Fresh like a forest after rain and bursting with juicy tart red fruits and soft floral tones. Lean yet drippingly succulent with tremendous zip and an ultra-clean lingering finish. This 2015 Insieme Pinot Nero Cuvée by Formaglini Vineyards is a fruit-focused wonder from the Oregon's Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir is a grape that is rarely blended, and even when it is there are very few producers who can incorporate it into a wine that is worthy of attention. This bottling, crafted by Formaglini Vineyards, was created via a co-ferment of 75% clone 828 Pinot Noir and 25% Lagrein. Lagrein is an ancient Italian grape native to Alto Adige which proprietor David De Lancellotti had imported himself as a tribute to his own Italian heritage. This finished wine is tremendously interesting and somewhat reminiscent of high-end Cru Beaujolais. Subtle earthy notes of fresh undergrowth and pine needle along with muted pinot-funk are present, but the real story here is the light hearted and fun-loving fruit profile. Despite it's almost nouveau feel this wine is not lacking structure - it is medium in body and tannin with medium plus acidity. This bottle was a wonderful surprise and we couldn't get enough. Bravo.