Styring Vineyards "Wit" Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2004

on to the second offering from styring, the 04 pinot noir. this red's grapes are from the forest grove area of the willamette valley in oregon. so how did the 04 compare to the 03? the first thing i noticed was the nose, which had little of the earthy quality of the 03. the 04 was very spicy on the nose, with fruit was of raspberry and blackberry. on the palate the first thing i got was very gripping tannins and spice. much more spice than the 03. black cherry fruit was very evident. this is not a wimpy pinot. it hits you right in the mouth. on the second day the tannins had relaxed quite a bit allowing the fruit to come through. i got some blackberry as well and a little less spice. i also picked up some subtle vanilla notes from the french oak. sells for $38.