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2002 Pinot Noir
White Rose Vineyard Release Date: 6/2004 Availability: 338 cases Price: $34/bottle Production Notes White Rose Vineyard is located on a southeast-facing slope in the Dundee Hills of Yamhill County. The vineyard was planted in 1980 at an elevation of 820' on deep Jory soil. It is protected from the prevaling winds by hills to the west and looks directly at the Cascade Mountains. The grapes were fermented in a small tank after three days of cold maceration. The wine aged for 16 months in 43% new French oak barrels and was not fined or filtered. A small amount of sediment may accumulate during the aging process and is normal for wine produced in this manner. Crop Level 1.7 tons/ acre Harvest 10/9/02 The Pinot noir complements a wide variety of entrees, especially those with layered flavors. It is drinkable now and will benefit from aging up to 8 years. |
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Winemaker Notes
This is our second vintage from White Rose. Located on a ridge above and to the west of Domaine Drouhin Oregon, it is our only Red Hills of Dundee vineyard site. The vineyard is owned by Greg Sanders and was planted in the early 1980's. Our grapes come from a two-acre block at the base of the vineyard planted with the Pommard clone of Pinot noir. Although it is our highest altitude site, it is also one of our ripest. This is our smallest lot of Pinot noir and, in 2001, was our first to sell out. In 2002, our yields were 25% lower, resulting in an even greater concentration of flavor.
Tasting notes
Its nose is full of white and red flowers and sweet red fruit that invites you back again and again. The flavors are layered and complex, covering your tongue with fruit and dark flowers. The 2002 is more complex and more expressive than the previous vintage. It reminds me of Barbaresco in a ripe year - like 1996. Match it with almost any red wine food, it would be very good with leg of lamb or seared fois gras. While very drinkable in its youth, I believe that this wine will develop over 8 years.