The 2011 vintage in the Willamette Valley was very similar to 2010, which was a typical one for Oregon. The long, cool growing season produced wines of great structure and balance as opposed to 2008 and 2009, where the wines were dominated by up front, ripe, almost candied fruit. The 2011 "Alphabets" is deep garnet in color, with a nose of dried cherry, cranberry, cinnamon and a touch of smoke. The palate shows Bing cherry, red raspberry and white pepper, with bright acidity, firm tannins and excellent structure.