|
|
|
 |
2007 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard
Release Date: 5/26/09 Price: $36 Production: 1008 cs. Production Notes Shea Vineyard is located in the Yamhill-Carlton District AVA, 35 miles southwest of Portland, Oregon. The Pinot noir was planted in 1998 & 2000 in Block 6 of the east field on a hillside of shallow Willakenzie soil. It has a southeast exposure at an elevation of 450' to 500'. The destemmed grapes were fermented in two small tanks after one or two days of cold maceration. The wine aged for 16 months in 36% new French oak barrels and was bottled by gravity without fining. Crop Level 2.2 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. |
|
|
|
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.
2007 was one of the more challenging harvests in the past decade. The season began early with sunny and dry weather in May and June. Bloom was about a week earlier than normal indicating that we would expect to begin picking in late September. The crop level was thinned significantly in late July targeting yields of between 2.1 and 2.7 tons per acre for Pinot noir.
September was cooler than normal and the cool weather continued into October. Intermittent rains slowed maturity and increased the risk of rot. Sunny periods between the rain events allowed the critical process of ripening and flavor development to continue. The tension mounted as waited and prayed for sun watching the acids soften, the tannin sweeten, and the flavors gain complexity. The first grapes were finally picked on October 5th, ten days later than expected. By October 15th, all of the fruit was picked, making 2007 our shortest harvest. The extended hang time produced exceptional white wines and complex, layered Pinot noirs.
Tasting Notes
The 2007 Pinot noir, Shea Vineyard is dark ruby and denser in hue that our other 2007 Pinots. The nose is complex and layered, beginning with dark, sweet spices, black raspberries, dusty dried flowers. Anise, plum, violets and dark rose petals follow with red fruits underneath. The wine is very broad on the palate with huge dark fruit, Asian spices, licorice, green peppercorn, and hints of black truffle spreading across your mouth. Its spectrum of complexity is expressed broadly and supported by ripe skin tannins. Its acidity is well balanced and supports the wine into a long finish dominated by dense spice and dark fruit.
The '07 Shea is structured for mid to long term aging. It will evolve significantly over the next 6-12 months and improve over a decade. This is a wine for those who revel in Pinot noirs with multiple layers of flavor and aroma that reveal the details of their terroir.
We also produce this wine in half bottles, and a limited amount hand bottled magnums and 3 litres.