At Stone Tower, we love pinot noir but recognize that growing fruit that can produce world-class pinot noir is difficult in Virginia. We looked for and found a partner in the Yamhill Carlton area of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. This wine is produced in a custom crush partnership and made to our specifications. The Willamette Valley area is considered the quintessential growing area for pinot noir in the United States. Through the years, we have partnered to produce outstanding pinot noir, and 2020 could be one of the best.  This wine beautifully interprets the terroir in which it is grown. It has an elegance associated with the cool growing environment. The nose is complex, revealing notes of plum, black cherry, licorice, and red raspberry. The palate deepens with graham cracker, cinnamon, and peppercorn.  From nose to finish, the wine has a silkiness that carries you to a delicate, fruit-focused finish. This outstanding wine is representative of the region and is like those from Burgundy.  Pair this wine with salmon if you are a fish lover – perfect. Vegetarians try a mushroom tart. Try it with cassoulet, a beautiful French dish with poultry, sausage, pork, and beans.  It will benefit from pinot’s bright acidity without the wine being overpowering. Avoid heavy meat and spicy food.