The 2005 Pinot Noir “Goldschmidt Vineyard” spent 10 months in 50% new and 50% one year old French oak. Dark ruby-colored, the oak is more obvious in this wine but certainly not overdone. The wine has a supple entry with excellent intensity and plenty of spicy, dark fruit flavors. It does not have the length of the Dussin Vineyard but is nevertheless a harmonious wine that should evolve for several years and drink well through 2020.
Lynn Penner-Ash had a long, successful career at Rex Hill before starting her namesake winery with her husband Ron in 1998. They are now ensconced in a new gravity-flow winery of their own design. She describes the 2005 vintage as “challenging” both because of the weather and because it was their first vintage in the new winery.
Tel. (503) 554-5545; www.pennerash.com. Also tasted: 2006 Viognier (90), 2006 Riesling (90), 2005 Syrah (90)