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2004 Pinot Noir
Seven Springs Vineyard Release Date: 9/2006 Retail Price: $ 36/bottle Availability: 890 cases Production Notes Seven Springs Vineyard, overlooking the fertile Willamette Valley from its position in the hills west of Salem, produced the Pinot noir grapes for this wine. The grapes were grown on a steep southeast slope, protected from the maritime winds by a fold in the hills. The vineyard blocks were planted in 1988 and 1992. The grapes were fermented in a small tank after two days of cold maceration.
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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).
In 1988, 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. The upper block was expanded again in 1991 with a planting of Dijon clones 113, 114, and 115 on phylloxera-resistant rootstock (3309). St. Innocent was the ONLY winery with Pinot noir made from a blend of both blocks.
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 different terroir - one with more intensity and wildness.
Seven Springs Pinot noir is a benchmark wine for St. Innocent. We have produced more Seven Springs Vineyard designated Pinot noirs than any other producer and the 2004 is our 15th Pinot noir from this site.
Tasting notes
The nose of the 2004 Pinot noir, Seven Springs Vineyard is dominated by sweet, wild, almost brambly fruits with pie spice, white pepper, and sweet cherry notes. There is a dusty quality to the aromas that reminds me of wild blackberries picked beside the road. Initially the layered dark red and black raspberry fruits dominate, then spices and complex focused flavors follow into its long finish. The tannins are full, but not heavy, and there is an attractive lushness over the entire palate. The finish is long and elegant.
This is wine for game and wild mushrooms - those wild and earthy flavors in the food bring out all the layers in this wine. Roast leg of lamb, duck, cassoulet, hearty beef roasts, and wild mushroom risotto are great matches. When drunk young, this Pinot will benefit by decanting with vigorous aeration 2-4 hours before serving.
All of the 2004s have the balance of acid and tannin and moderate alcohols that will allow them to age effortlessly. I suggest that you either drink Seven Springs when it is young (up to five years from vintage) or wait until it is at least eight years old. In the early years, you will enjoy the freshness of the fruit balanced with its rustic qualities. By waiting longer, aged flavors develop and Seven Springs will increase in both intensity and purity of its components. It will be worth the wait. Seven Springs Pinot noirs will continue developing for 12-15 years.