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2005 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard
Release Date: 5/26/07 Price: $39 Production: 1215 cs. 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 two small tanks after two days of cold maceration. The wine aged for 16 months in 42% new French oak barrels and was bottled without fining or filtration . Crop Level 1.9 tons/ acre This Pinot noir complements sweet meat entrees - lamb chops, filet, grilled salmon. When served young, this wine is best decanted or allowed to breathe for several hours. It is drinkable at release and will benefit from aging up to 10 years. |
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Winemaker Notes
I believe that Shea Vineyard produces a very classic style of Pinot noir. These Pinot noirs emphasize elegance with good acidity, balanced flavors, well concentrated fruit, and nuances that are specific to the terroir of the vineyard. Because of their ripe tannins and supporting acidity, this style of Pinot noir is an excellent match with richly flavored foods.
Bloom was late in 2005, meaning that we would not pick until October. A summer of dry warm, but not hot weather, was followed by a moderate, but dry September. The vines were water stressed and in need of rain. On September 30th it finally rained, 2.5 inches over three days. We were blessed with moisture (in abundance) and that was followed by adequate sun over the next two weeks. This allowed the plants to come back into water balance and complete the final ripening phase of flavor development. All of our sites ripened within a few days of each other and this was our most compressed harvest on record.
Tasting Notes
This Shea is a dark ruby color. Its nose is layered with dark fruits, orange peel, and dark flowers with spices underneath. The initial flavors rich with red and black raspberries, dried flowers and spice. With air, the '05 Shea reveals substantial layers, depth and density. While my Shea Pinot noirs have developed more depth as the vines have become older, this vintage is striking in its dimensionality. Texturally, ripe tannins coat your tongue with hints of oak and fresh acidity that carries the fruit layers into the finish. I expect it to develop for over more than a decade.
We also produce this wine in half bottles, and a limited amount hand bottled magnums and 3 litres.