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2005 Pinot Noir, Justice Vineyard
Release Date: 5/26/2007
Price: $39
Production: 267 cases

Production Notes:
Justice Vineyard is located in the Eola Hills, 11 miles northwest of Salem, Oregon. The Pinot noir was planted in 2001 on a hillside of volcanic Jory soil in the NW corner of the vineyard, just over the ridge of the Eola Hills. It has a southeast exposure at an elevation of 550'.

The grapes were fermented in a small stainless tank after one day of cold maceration. The wine aged for 16 months in 36% new French oak barrels and was bottled without fining or filtration.

Crop Level 1.9 tons/ acre
Harvest 10/10/2005
Bottled February 2007

This Pinot noir complements sweet meat entrees - salmon, lamb chops, pork tenerloin and filet. When served young, this wine is best opened 1-2 hours before serving . It is drinkable at release and will benefit from aging up to 7 years.


Winemaker Notes

Justice Vineyard is located just over the east ridge of the Eola-Amity Hills just below Bethel Heights winery. Planted in 2001 at 500' in elevation on a southeast slope of thin volcanic soil, the vineyard faces the Cascade Mountains. These grapes come from a 2.33 acre block in the NW corner of the vineyard. It is a state-of-the-art, vertical canopy, high density planting of Pinot noir clone 777 and is farmed by one of Oregon's best grapegrowers, Ted Casteel. Our first vintage was in 2004.

I consider it to be a blessing to access fruit from Justice Vineyard. I have asked counsel regarding grape growing problems from Ted Casteel for years. To make wine from fruit grown by him is a gift.

Tasting Notes
It is unusual and very attractive for Pinot noir to have primary spice aromas. The 2005 Pinot noir, Justice Vineyard has clove and cinnamon aromas along with lush red fruits. The clove notes carry into the mouth along with raspberry and black raspberry fruits with concentrated fruit notes carrying into its finish. One of the most unique facets of Justice Pinot noirs is the way its flavors coat your mouth with an almost creamy texture that reaches into your cheeks. All of this is enhanced by a lovely backbone of fresh acidity. This wine is a great match for chops, grilled meats, salmon, and a wide variety of risotto and pasta dishes. I expect it to evolve over 5 or more years, although Pinots from young vines are awfully lovely in their youth.
Mark Vlossak, winemaker 5/2007

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