One of the most collectible Pinot Noirs made in all of Oregon is from a winery you’ve probably never heard of: Thomas Winery. Located in Carlton, Oregon, winemaker John Thomas has been releasing small amounts of wine from the Thomas Vineyard since 1988. I don’t recall ever seeing ratings from the Wine Advocate or the Wine Spectator, and I don’t think Thomas has ever hosted a public event. The winery has achieved cult like status among wine collectors.
Light red in color. 13.4% ABV. Exquisite nose of red fruits, rose petals, baking spices and pine needle. Light to medium body with firm acidity. Fresh and crisp with gorgeous fruit. Black cherry, cranberry, strawberry, black tea and soil on the palate. The finish is exceptional. Just a tremendous, albeit young, bottle of Thomas Pinot Noir. Best over the next 4-6 years.
My rating: 95 points.
Thomas Pinot Noir makes a brief appearance at Portland-area shops soon after release, and is priced around $75 per bottle. The 2017 will be released next month to members of the mailing list. If you want to put your name on the mailing list you will need track down the winery address and send John a letter. I’ve had the opportunity to taste bottles going back to the late 90’s, and think the wine shows best 7-10 years past the vintage date.
I’ve blogged about Thomas previously in The 2018 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings and Thomas Winery: The Best Pinot Noir You Have Never Heard Of.
Very timely, am planning on opening my first 2014 bottle tonight to see where it’s at. Any recommendations on decanting/at what stage it showed best?
The ’13 was great as a pop and pour. Super approachable and delicious.