Highland Close is an extremely rocky site sitting in the high elevations of the center cut of the Chehalem Mountain AVA. The fracturing of the basalt is moderate and the rocks in the vineyard are a combination of black, red (oxidized) and white (volcanic ash) basalt. At 1.88 acres Highland Close is the largest of the 1st expression sites but despite its size, the soils are quite uniform. The wine has a distinctive energetic nose and a taste of mineral (iron) and crushed red fruit which is emblematic of the oxidized red basalt of this vineyard. The mineral flavors can be found coursing through a light velvet texture that sits gently on the tongue.
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94 pts - Vinous: "Deep, vivid red. Expansive, deeply perfumed aromas of fresh dark berries, cherry liqueur, cola, incense and potpourri, along with a hint of allspice and black tea that emerge with aeration. Offers densely packed, primary blackberry, bitter cherry and licorice flavors that tighten up slowly and become sweeter with air. Delivers a suave blend of richness and energy on the strikingly long, spice-laced finish, which is supported by chewy, steadily building tannins."
93 pts - Robert Parker Wine Advocate: “This is one of Rose & Arrow's "1st expression" bottlings, denoted with a "1st" on the label. Fruit comes from the Highland Close site, located at 450 feet in elevation and planted on black, red (oxidized) and white (volcanic ash) basalt. Medium ruby in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Chehalem Highlands—Highlands Close opens with tarry/sulfury reduction, giving way with aeration to black fruits with notes of exotic spices, dried flowers, mossy bark and forest floor. Medium-bodied, it fills the mouth with warm black cherries and crushed blueberries flavors with notes of licorice, lilac and sage and a strong line of crushed rock minerality and earthy layers. It’s framed with fine, grainy tannins and good freshness, finishing long and packed with fruit. Those reductive aromas dissipated a day after the bottle was opened.”
93 pts - Wine Spectator: “Distinctive yet refined, offering expressive aromas of raspberry and spice, with a whiff of bacon fat that opens to complex and well-built cherry and sweet anise flavors.”
