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2002 Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley Release Date: 3/1/2004 Retail Price: $ 16/bottle Availability: 551 cases Production Notes The 2002 Pinot noir, Willamette Valley is a blend of grapes from Vitae Springs, Shea, and Seven Springs Vineyards located in the northern Willamette Valley. The grapes were fermented in small tanks after one to three days of cold maceration. The wine aged for 14 months in 30% new French oak barrels and was bottled without fining or filtration. Crop Level 1.3 to 2.2 tons/acreHarvest Early October, 2002 Bottled December 2003 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
The 2002 Willamette Valley has a nose and flavors of red and black fruits with spice and floral notes. Deeply colored and full bodied, it represents an excellent value. It was bottled in December 2003 and should develop over five years.