I am always on the look out for non-Burgundy Pinot Noir that can excite me. Until now very few names convinced me, Tatasciore, Saint Sebaste, Fuerst and of course, my clear #1, Felton Road. We definitely have a new entry to that list after tonight. Rarely have I had non Burg Pinots that are so amazing. What is most interesting, and intriguing here is that the wines of this estate, which are made by Louis Michel Liger-Belair, actually taste like his wines from Vonse. I know, many readers may never had them as even his simplest village terroirs now go for $500+. But here is the mystery or rather shocking fact of Burgundy. While everybody in Burgundy uses the word terroir ten times in each sentence, why is it then that ALL wines from Leroy, DRC, Liger-Belair are not only of top quality but have a distinctive, recognizable aromatic profile. Is it terroir or is it viticulture/winemaking that makes that? It is the later… Leroy’s simplest wines from Fixin or NSG have these aromas and blow away much loftier terroirs.
Back to Rose&Arrow. This is an estate built around Film producer Mark Tarlov, who instead of going to Napa to make the next CabSav bruiser, ventured to Oregon to make a Burgundian Pinot there. He assembled an illustrious team in which soil specialist Pedro Parra did two years of digging to find sites that have the right compositions to allow high quality Pinot. Don’t ask me how he did it, but he convinced Louis Michel Liger-Belair to make his wines. And here lies the sensation of these wines. They all feel, smell, taste like his Crus from Vosne. I only had a Rose&Arrow wine once before and was impressed. Tonight’s dinner, organized by one of the Co-owners of the estate confirmed it. This are among the very best Pinots outside of Burgundy for me and if your budget (like most of us) is below Liger-Belair wines, go on the look out for these wines. Congratulations to the Rose&Arrow team!
Wines were opened 1.5h before pouring but not decanted. Note to the consumer: All wines showed really well and the gap between 1st Expressions, Articulates Villages was small tonight, which makes the later two really the smart buys.
Tasting notes
2017 Rose & Arrow Pinot Noir Yamhill Close 95 Points
First wine, first winner, as a matter of fact, this was one of the favorites of the evening. Intoxicating Liger-Belair nose with the tell-tale intensity around red fruit, cranberry, licorice spices, and a hint of sous-bois. Very much in the red fruit spectrum. Had the most elegant, high pitched palate of all. Excellent
2017 Rose & Arrow Pinot Noir Worden Hill 93 Points
Intoxicating nose with intense red but also dark fruit, underbrush, spices. A bit softer on the palate than the Yamhill Close next to it. More Morey than Vosne in style. Very good but not among the best tonight.
2017 Rose & Arrow Pinot Noir The Black Walnut Worden Hill 96 Points
This was also one of the favorites in tonight’s terrific line-up. Very expressive Liger-Belair nose with red and dark fruit, saline, spices. Amazing intensity on the palate. Well managed, soft tannins, good dry extract. Wow! 96+
2017 Rose & Arrow Pinot Noir Red Dust Worden Hill 95 Points
More muted nose here but still energetic and with the signature of Liger-Belair, you can see that the 1st impressions need more time. The gap between 1st Expressions, Articulates Villages was not very high tonight which makes the later two the smart buys. Aromas of red and dark fruit here as well, darker pitched. Soft palate, very good acidity and balance.
Tristan Sjöberg, one of the owners of Rows&Arrow
2017 Rose & Arrow Pinot Noir Hopewell Hills 93 Points
Expressive nose with cranberry, violets, red fruit, nice and intense. A lighter palate here, red fruit dominated, very good but not among the best tonight. I know, I am lamenting on a high level here. 93+
2016 Rose & Arrow Pinot Noir Gathered Stones Hopewell Hills 95 Points
Consistent to my last tasting nose. Expressive and complex red fruit nose and lots of tension on the palate. long aromatic finish. Its 2017 sibling was even more impressive.
2017 Rose & Arrow Pinot Noir Gathered Stones Hopewell Hills 96 Points
One of the favorites tonight. Initially a bit more muted nose but then with time in the glass it opened up and wafted from the glass with the Liger-Belair signature nose that we know from Vosne. Cranberries but also dark fruit here. Good volume here on the palate. Aromatic finish. Very complete. Wow!
2017 Rose & Arrow Pinot Noir Stone Creek 95 Points
Like the Red dust, the nose of the 1st expression were a bit more closed, needed more air to open. In the red fruit spectrum with sous bois as well as some dark cherry. Dense and precise palate. The most difficult wine to judge, very good material underneath and if this opens like the Villages with a bit of age it will be stellar.
Author: Christian Raubach, WSET III, FWS, WSG Champagne Master
January, 2021