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2004 Pinot Noir
White Rose Vineyard Release Date: 6/2006 Availability: 267 cases Price: $40/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 one day of cold maceration. The wine aged for 16 months in 45% 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. Crop Level 2.0 tons/acre The Pinot noir complements a wide variety of entrees, especially those with layered flavors. When served young, this wine is best if allowed to breathe for 1-2 hours. It is drinkable now and will benefit from aging up to 8 years. |
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Winemaker Notes
This is our third vintage from White Rose. White Rose Vineyard is our highest elevation vineyard, at 832'. 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.
2004 was a classic, as well as a great, Oregon Vintage. The grapes were fully ripe, maintained good acidity, and were free of rot. Their balance is perfect for matching with food and they should age well.
Tasting notes
St. Innocent White Rose Pinot noir has acquired a well deserved reputation as our most hedonistic wine. It is the only wine that I do not focus on the details of aroma or flavor. Instead, I enjoy the pleasure, it is drop dead gorgeous. Aromas of perfectly ripe fruit and hints of sweet smoky oak, it fills your mouth with dark fruits and red flowers. Lush with ripe tannin, it is still quite young and should fill out even more through the end of 2006.
We have a hundred cases LESS of 2004 White Rose that usual. In a normal year, it is our smallest lot of Pinot noir. Snooze and you will loose. Drink it now or age it up to 8 years.