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2000 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard
Release Date: 5/26/02 Price: $30 per bottle Production: 1070 cases Production Notes Shea Vineyard is located in the Yamhill foothills, 35 miles southwest of Portland, Oregon. The Pinot noir was planted in 1990 on a hillside of shallow Willakenzie soil in the SW corner of the vineyard. It has a southeast exposure at an elevation of 350' to 500'. The grapes were fermented in a small tank after three days of cold maceration. The wine aged for 16 months in 38% new French 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. This Pinot noir complements sweet meat entrees - lamb chops, fillet, grilled salmon - and is drinkable at release or may be aged up to 8 years. |
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Winemaker Notes
When Ken (St. Innocent's sales manager) said that the 2000 Shea was a stylistic blend of the fruit of 1998 and the richness of 1999, I thought he was exaggerating. Well he wasn't. It is full of red and black fruit, dark flowers, and has lovely weight and length. It has the darkest components of all the wines produced from Shea Vineyard and has the structure to age. It reminds me a bit of the wines of Morey St.-Denis - lovely layered fruit and good concentration. It is a steal for its price.
Tasting Notes
The aroma of dark flowers and black raspberries is the first thing that strikes you as you smell our Shea. Next comes sweet red and black fruit flavors with hints of citrus, mint, red roses and violets. Fresh, bright fruit with great clarity, nice acidity, balanced smoky oak, and a long layered finish complete the package. It was described as 'sexy' by one writer.
Shea Pinot noir is my preferred wine with sweet meat entrees. Duck breast, lamb chops, or any course that emphasizes fresh, sweet flavors will bring out its purity and hedonistic qualities. Lovely while young, it will develop even more sweetness and layers over eight years.