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1999 Pinot Gris
Shea Vineyard, Vendages Tardive Release Date: 2/1/01 Retail Price: $16.00/375ml, $28/750ml Availability: 234 cases Production Notes Shea Vineyard is located in the Yamhill foothills, 35 miles southwest of Portland, Oregon. The Pinot gris was planted in 1990 on a steep hillside of shallow Willakenzie soil. It has a southwest exposure at an elevation of 350'. This Pinot gris was picked at 25.1 degrees brix with no botrytis. After whole cluster pressing, the juice was fermented 80% in tank and 20% in new French barrels. The wine was bottled after 13 months and has a residual sugar of 16g/l (1.6%). |
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Winemaker Notes
The vendage tardive style is uniquely Alsacian. Although the VT is a late harvested wine, it is usually fermented close to 14% alcohol, possesses great depth of fruit flavor, has solid acidity, and is usually below 5% residual sugar. This creates a very different balance than Sauternes or German TBA, both of which have very high sugars and lower alcohol. I am not aware of another Oregon Pinot gris produced in this style. The more I taste this wine, the more delighted I am with how enjoyable it is to experience.
Tasting Notes
Our VT Pinot gris has very concentrated fruit components in the nose that are amplified with tasting. The variety of fruit flavors dominates your initial impression. Then spicyness and perfume adds complexity to the nose and mouth. The sweet oak is noticable as a further layer of complexity on the palate. The finish lingers past a full minute with a perfect balance of acid, fruit, and sweetness.
I recommend you put this wine in your cellar. As compelling as the wine is now, the complexity on the palate has yet to develop. You will need to wait 1-2 years get its full impact and 8-10 years to taste in a mature state.