L'Umami, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, 2023

Named for the elusive “fifth taste,” L’Umami is one of those Oregon Pinots that quietly overdelivers—elegant, expressive, and just earthy enough to keep it grounded. It’s sourced from sites across the Willamette Valley, with a mix of volcanic and marine sedimentary soils contributing both lift and depth. The 2023 vintage was a cooler one, and the wine shows it in all the right ways: high-toned aromatics, bright acidity, and a fine, detailed structure that’s more about precision than power. There’s plenty of juicy red cherry and raspberry up front, but what lingers is the savory core—mushroom, dried herbs, a whisper of black tea. It’s a style that feels closer to Burgundy than California, made for people who like their Pinot with restraint and a bit of soul. A natural with roast duck, lentil stew, or anything involving mushrooms.