|
|
|
 |
1999 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard
Release Date: 5/26/01 Price: $30 per bottle Production: 1012 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 34% 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
After making the 1998 Pinot noirs, I could not imagine exceeding their quality. I now believe that of the five 1999 Pinot noirs, three are clearly better than the 1998 vintage wines. The Shea Vineyard is one of these.
Tasting Notes
Shea Pinot noirs have an enticing aroma of flowers, black and red fruit. Our block tends to be a bit darker than the rest of the vineyard. The flowers are more dark red roses and violets and the fruit has black cherry and black raspberry aromas and flavors. The wine is very dense and tight. I suggest that you wait until fall to open your first bottle. Peak evolution should be in 4-7 years.