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2005 Pinot Noir, Anden Vineyard
Release Date: 9/2007 Retail Price: $39 per bottle Production: 607 cases Production Notes Anden Vineyard (formerly part of Seven Springs Vineyard) overlooks the fertile Willamette Valley from its position in the hills west of Salem. Growing on a steep southeast slope, the vines are protected from maritime winds by a fold in the hills. The vineyard was planted in 1982 on Jory soil, a shallow clay over fractured rock, at an elevation of 400'. The grapes were fermented in a small tank after one day of cold maceration. The wine aged for 18 months in 35% new French oak barrels and was bottled without fining or filtration This Pinot noir complements foods with rich and layered flavors - prime rib, stews, and cassoult. When served young, this wine is best decanted or allowed to breathe for several hours. It will benefit from aging up to 12 years. |
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Winemaker Notes
In 1988, I produced St. Innocent's first Pinot noir from grapes planted at Seven Springs Vineyard. All of the crops from 1988 - 1990 were limited by poor fruit set. In 1988 and 1989, the fruit from Seven Springs (now called Anden) was blended with Pinot noir from other sites to produce the 1988 Willamette Valley and the 1989 Reserve Pinot noirs. 1990 produced St. Innocent's first Seven Springs Vineyard designated Pinot noir (from what is now the Anden block).
St. Innocent commissioned a new block of Pinot noir, planted above the original block, which came into production in 1991. Those young vines were blended with the original block to produce the 1991 Pinot noir, Seven Springs Vineyard and all of Seven Springs Vineyard designated wines through the 2000 vintage. St. Innocent was the ONLY winery with Pinot noir made from a blend of both blocks. 2006 was our last vintage from this site.
The owners of Seven Springs divided the vineyard in 2001. The older, original block, sited lower on the hill, became Anden Vineyard. The upper block, which came into production in 1991, continued to be called Seven Springs. The 2001 and later Pinot noirs, Seven Springs Vineyard, closely resemble the previous Seven Springs vineyard wines. The Anden Vineyard Pinot noirs reflects a variation on that terroir.
Tasting Notes
The 2005 Pinot noir, Anden has aromas of lush red and black fruits, spice, and pepper. Those same aromas are reflected onto the palate which is full with sweet berry fruits, pie spices, and hints of black pepper flavors. Immersed in the dark fruit components is an inherent sweetness and richness to the flavors that reflects widely over your palate. The tannins are ripe and substantial, and are in harmony with the powerful fruit. 2005 is an exceptional vintage for aging. The '05 Anden will improve for at least 12 years.
Anden Pinot noirs have multiple layers of flavor. They match best with richly flavored foods with similar layers of flavor. Roast leg of lamb, duck, cassoulet, hearty beef roasts, and wild mushrooms are great matches. When drunk young, this Pinot will benefit by decanting with vigorous aeration 2-4 hours before serving.