Tasted from a half-bottle in Oregon, the 2011 Pinot Noir Margo is a little beauty. It is sensual and surprisingly voluptuous on the nose considering the challenges of that growing season. It feels plush in the mouth with svelte red cherries and crushed strawberry fruit in a veil of vanillary new oak that deserves another 12 months to be fully assimilated. The palate is satin-like on the entry, and, though not the most complex of Pinot Noirs (well, this is just their entry-level cuvée), it has an effortless quality that is endearing. Very fine.
This was one of those occasions where I wish I could have found time to visit the producer for no other reason than I was deeply impressed by their wine. So much so, that when I found myself dining alone at the "Dundee Bristro," I ordered a half-bottle of Margo `11 off the list to keep me company. Their 2012s were generally vivacious, sensual, pure and elegant–all the facets that I seek in Pinot Noir. Kudos to winemaker Steve Goff who farms the 25 acres of vine located on the Ribbon Ridge that once served as a farmstead and orchard–next time I`m down I`ll be making a beeline for you. You`ve been warned! 90 points