Rocky Pond Winery 2018 Reserve Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, $49
On long-standing item on David Dufenhorst’s wine-theme bucket list has been a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir project, so the Washington state winery owner/grower worked with Keeler Vineyard near Amity, Ore., for this four-barrel release. The fanciful and fascinating aroma profile offers huckleberry, cherry jam and blueberry taffy with Baker’s chocolate and cola behind those. Inside, it’s dark and rich with blueberry and blackcurrant flavors, backed by mint and a nibble of cherry skin for a big and fruity finish. Suggested pairings from Rocky Pond’s culinary team in Woodinville and Chelan include Classic Pasta Carbonara with Pancetta, Confit Duck Leg with Sweet Potato Puree, Mustard Greens and Pomegranates or a Reuben sandwich.