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1997 Pinot Noir
Seven Springs Vineyard Release Date: 9/99 Retail Price $: 25.00 Availability: 1240 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 bocks were planted in 1982, 1988, and 1992. The grapes were fermented in a small tank after six days of cold maceration. The wine aged for 19 months in 50% new oak barrels and was bottled without fining or filtration. A small amount of sediment may accumulate during the aging process and is normal for wine produced in this manner. Crop load: 2.5 tons/acre This Pinot noir complements foods with wild berry, earth, and spice flavors - gamebirds, venison, wild mushooms - and will benefit from up to 12 years of bottle age. |
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Winemaker Notes
The wine has a wonderful balance of rich fruit (the hallmark of 1997), structure and depth. It was the first vintage that included three acres of Dijon clone Pinot noir planted at Seven Springs. The added complexity of three different clones shows in the finished wine. Pinot noir can be multi-layered, with fruit enhanced by spice, mushroom, earth, farm, and other exotic aromas. Unfortunately, many are just simple fruit bombs that are unable to hold your interest past the first glass. Seven Springs Pinot noir has those layers. I love the wines produced from this vineyard. The Pinot noir from Seven Springs Vineyard has become the trademark wine of St. Innocent. It is approachable now and will easily age for 10 years.
Tasting Notes
Pinot noir can be multi-layered, with fruit enhanced by spice, mushroom, earth, farm, and other exotic aromas.