1997 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Vintage
1997
Price
$18
Release Date
March 2000
Appellation
Willamette Valley
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Grapes
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage
So many times in California when we talk about the factors in a given vintage we may end the conversation with, "it all comes down to the weather." In Oregon that phrase makes up the beginning, middle and end of the conversation. The1997 growing season began a little slowly. Then summer came and not only did the vines catch up but they surged ahead, July was one of driest on record and by August things looked to be 2 weeks ahead. Our vines are pruned to low tonnage and clusters are positioned in a way that will help the fruit withstand the inevitable rain. Well, the first of those rain came on August 20th and continued off and on through harvest on September 30th. Once the wet pattern begins ripening becomes a struggle and as in 97 things can go from nearly perfect to disaster in a few days. This is where preparing for the worst pays off. Our vineyard crew continually thin damaged fruit from the vines so energy can be concentrated on ripening the best fruit. Then they pick the best fruit from the strongest blocks and ship to Glen Ellen in a refrigerated truck. We work with the best fruit of the vintage.
Vinification
We do the usual cold soak/ punch down deal in bins and small open top tanks. We hold each block and sub- block separate from vineyard to barrel this allows us to monitor our progress in the vineyard. For the 97 vintage we drew off 10% to 15% of the juice directly after destemming. This creates a higher skin to juice ratio, which concentrates flavors and increases intensity. The wine is aged in french oak on light lees to build mouthfeel. We bottled unfiltered in June 99. Alcohol: 13.1%, total acidity: .51, pH: 3.78. Cases produced: 248.
Tasting Notes
Aromas are of black cherry, plum, herbs and spicy oak. The flavors are of red plum, berry, toffee and rich vanilla. Overall impression is of intensely ripe fruit. The mouthfeel/texture is medium bodied, creamy and velvety. The flavors carry through to a long finish.