Cru Curious: Vista Hills Tusculum Estate Pinot Noir Review

Vista Hills Tusculum Estate Pinot Noir 2010 ($44)

This Pinot evolved in the glass, initially teasing with fresh lifted red fruit, cherry, bubblegum, and floral notes, then opening up with more intensity and complexity, with notes of cola, raw mushroom, caramel and toast.

The wine has generous acidity, medium body, and notes of red berry fruit and minerality on the palate. The finish is long, with notes of red berry and a little heat.

Pair with: truffle pizza, pancetta-wrapped pork roast, or lamb loin seasoned with cherries and thyme. Enjoy now and for the next three to four years.

Vista Hills 42-acre vineyard is located in the Dundee Hills AVA, a sub-appellation of Willamette Valley located 28 miles southwest of Portland. They produce small-batch Pinot noir and Pinot gris. 200 cases were produced for this particular year.

Dundee Hills is the result of volcanic activity about 17 million years ago and the collision of the Pacific and North American plates beginning about five million years ago. These unique alterations have created a small, climatically-protected island of hills and well-draining lava-based jory soil comprised of silt, clay, and loam. 

Vista Hills is an interesting, boutique producer in a noteworthy AVA.