In The Glass: Biggio Hamina Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010

Last December, I toured several wineries in the McMinnville AVA and the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, both comprising of distinct terroirs in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.  I tasted a lot of wine, and was lucky enough to bring home a not-yet labeled bottle of 2010 Biggio Hamina Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir.

Biggio Hamina Cellars, located in McMinnville, Oregon, is owned and operated by the very witty winemaker Todd Hamina.  If you visit their tasting room and wine bar (which is connected to the winery) and find Todd there, I’m thinking there will be lots of laughs and good times to be had.  Aside from having stellar wine, including an awesome Melon de Bourgogne, – it’s also a wine bar that has loads of cool wine themed decor items. From the wine glass rack to the lighting, everything is made from recycled wine barrels.  In the corner, wine crates are stacked from floor to ceiling and the Biggio Hamina bright orange color scheme (also on the labels) is seen throughout the bar.  Todd and his wife Caroline Biggio Hamina were installing a new kitchen while I visited in December, so they serve food as well.  If you’re in the area, it’s a must-visit winery – the wine is truly outstanding and it’s simply a really cool place to hang out for a glass (or bottle) of wine.

There wasn’t a single Biggio Hamina wine I tried that wasn’t memorable and outstanding, they were all excellent.  But, the 2010 Biggio Hamina Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir was the one I chose to bring home with me, and after popping the cork last night, I realized I made a super sound decision – it was nothing short of awesome.  I’ve used the descriptor “silky tannins” in the past, but this Biggio Hamina Pinot Noir has set the bar for silky tannins.  Lush and super juicy, layers of berries and cherries flowed seamlessly on the palate with a hint of earth, violets and pie spice. Soft acidity rounded out the fruit to perfection, creating an extremely well balanced and elegant Pinot Noir with the silkiest tannins of all.  Wow.

Visit Biggio Hamina Cellars at 1722 Oregon 18, McMinnville, Oregon. Call ahead to check on hours of operation 503.737.0703.