Tendril Wine Cellars Tightrope Pinot Noir 2018 Red Wine

Tendril Wine Cellars Tightrope Pinot Noir 2018 

Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Willamette Valley, OR

The expertise of renowned winemaker Tony Rynders really shines through in this outstanding Pinot. The wine is beautifully balanced, with a mouth-watering myriad of flavors. Not wimpy, not muscular, it’s just right on the sweet spot! A real gem of a Willamette Valley Pinot! – Wine Factor 

94 pts. Jeb Dunnuck:

"Coming entirely from the Yamhill Carlton District, the 2018 Pinot Noir Tightrope takes on a dark red ruby hue and is more brooding, with notes of baking spice, black cherry lozenge, and polished leather. Full-bodied, with a broad structure and velvety ripe tannins, it offers lush, mouth-filling fruit with notes of turned earth on the finish. It’s going to do well over the next 10 or more years and has a winter warmth in its sensibility."

93 pts., Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast: 

"The TightRope's aromas of black cherries, blueberry kefir, violets and pine needles are invigorating. Blackcap raspberry and lemon flavors are punctuated by bits of rosemary, black tea and balsa. Thanks to muscular tannins, the wine's texture is chewy still, so enjoy 2024 until 2033."

93 pts. James Suckling:

"Medium-bodied with chocolate cherries, mulberries, nutmeg and rosemary on the nose. Lovely spiced dark berry fruit wrapped up in ripe and velvety tannins. Polished and all in balance. Drink or hold."

About the winemaker:

During his 10 years at Domaine Serene Winery as head winemaker, Tony Rynders became one of the most highly acclaimed winemakers in America. He obtained more 90+ point scores from the Wine Spectator magazine than any other winemaker during that period of time. Now he crafts his own wine under the Tendril label, and also does wine consulting on the side.

FROM THE WINERY

Winemaker Tasting Notes:

Aromas of black cherry, eucalyptus and sweet baking spices lead to flavors of dark berries, cola and chocolate. Silky tannins provide a luscious mouthfeel with a long-lasting finish.

Tendril wines are made “low and slow,” just like great food: we give them time to reach their full potential at the winery, aging 16 months minimum in barrel and 6-18 months more in bottle before release. If you prefer aging, 3-15 years from vintage date is ideal for TightRope. Serve at 58-62F.

Pairings: grilled pork tenderloin, mushroom lasagna, braised short ribs 

Wine Data

100% Willamette Valley, sub-appellation 100% Yamhill-Carlton

40% Whole Cluster

Aging and Cooperage: 18 months in French oak barrels; 50% new 

Bottled: April 2020

Cases Produced: 150