|
|
|
 |
2001 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard
Release Date: 5/25/03 Price: $30 per bottle Production: 961 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 47% 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. |
|
|
|
Winemaker Notes
In 2001 Mother Nature provided close to ideal growing conditions for Pinot noir in Oregon. The biggest challenge was to control the very generous crop that resulted from excellent weather during bloom in mid-June. We saw the generous crop early and cut severely... perhaps too severely. Our yield at Shea Vineyard was reduced 10% over the tonage picked in 2000. Our loss is your gain and the wine is that much more concentrated. We just have less to sell.
There are many vineyard designated wines produced from Dick Shea's fruit. This particular block is located in the west hill and is in the extreme SW corner of the vineyard. All of the Shea Pinot noirs have raspberries and distinctive floral overtones. Our block just seems to have a darker character. It is full of red and black raspberries, dark flowers, and has lovely weight and length. 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.
Shea Pinot noir is my preferred wine with sweet meat entrees. Duck breast, grilled salmon, 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.