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2006 Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley, Villages Cuvée Release Date: 1/15/2008 Retail Price: $ 25/bottle Availability: 741 cases Production Notes The 2006 Pinot noir, Villages Cuvée is a blend of grapes from Vitae Springs, Freedom Hill, and Temperance Hill Vineyards located in the northern Willamette Valley. The grapes were fermented in small tanks after one or two days of cold maceration. The wine aged for 13 months in 20% new French oak barrels and was bottled without fining and filtration. Crop Level 1.2 to 2.7 tons/acreHarvest Mid-Oct., 2006 Bottled November 2007 This Pinot noir complements red meat, cheese, and rich fish entrees and is ready to drink.
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Winemaker Notes
Oregon vineyards were originally planted on their 'own roots'. European grape vines, unlike American vines, have no inherent resistance to damage by the root louse phyloxera. This root louse survives by feeding on the small roots of grape vines. Damage to the small root allows secondary infections to enter the vine resulting in its death. There is no way to save infected vines short of replanting with grafted vines - european (vitus vinifera) tops and american vine roots.
Many of St. Innocent's vineyard sources have phyloxera. As we replant, the early crops have lovely fruit charactoristics, but little sense of terroir. The wines made from young vines will not be blended with older vines from our best vineyards. Our solution is to blend these 'first crops' with a consistent Pinot noir base wine from Vitae Springs Vineyard producing a Willamette Valley blend. Given the extent of our replanting efforts, the amount of Willamette Valley Pinot noir will increase in the coming vintages.
Tasting notes
2006 was a vintage that produced wines with an added dimension of concentration. The end of September was warmer and sunnier than normal for Oregon. This coincided with the final ripening phase resulting in an extra level ripeness and intensity in the fruit.
The 2006 Willamette Valley has a nose of ripe red and black fruits with spice, pepper, and floral notes. Concentrated cherry jam and black raspberry flavors continue into the lengthy finish. Deeply colored and full bodied, this is a hedonistic wine that reflects the appeal of 2006 and can be consumed in its youth or aged for several years to gain added complexity.
Mark Vlossak, winemaker