- 2017 Project M Pinot Noir Bednarik Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (2/19/2022)
Tasted over two days, as I had the chance to do a Zoom with the winemaker on day 2.
No this has nothing to do with legendary Eagles player Chuck Bednarik, but it’s still fun to think that it does. There’s ample structure to the wine, but it’s not punishing structure, so people named Gifford can drink this without fear.
Deep cherry fruit, and spicy overtones pick up earthy elements on day two. The structure remains evident over the full 24 hours, but not in a way that’s drying or overly intense. Where I get something special is on the finish, where the wine picks up a penetrating, but also ethereal presence. It hovers, nearly weightless, but with gravity. It’s a contradiction, but that’s what makes it fun. This would be a good wine to follow over several years, to see what happens with the obvious elements, and also the haunting aspects on the fringe.