1998 Reserve Pinot Noir
Winemaker's Notes
This intensely deep, garnet colored Pinot Noir displays aromas of ripe blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, bing cherry, and dried floral notes accented by hints of cedar, and sweet oak spice.
The full fruit entry with flavors of blueberry, plum, and cranberry is rich and round in the mouth, and offers a great acid balance, lengthy tannins, soft viscosity, and a long, velvety finish. Suggested retail: $35.00
Technical Notes
| Vineyard |
% Blend |
County |
| Pfeiffer Vineyards |
37% |
Lane County |
| King Estate |
19% |
Lane County |
| Hemlock Hill |
18% |
Polk County |
| Croft Vineyard |
12% |
Polk County |
| Ankeny Vineyards |
12% |
Marion County |
| Dunning Vineyards |
2% |
Benton County |
Final Analysis: 13.0% alcohol; TA: 0.56 g/100ml; pH: 3.47
Fermentation: 100% stainless steel, temperature controlled tank fermentation in removable top fermenters. Punch down two times per day.
Aging: 16 months in French oak barrels: 34% new barrels, 35% one year old barrels, 32% two year old barrels.
Production: 2,500 cases
Growing Season
The extended cold wet spring in 1998 reduced the number of pollinated flowers significantly, and thus, yields were down 30-50% statewide.
A warm, dry summer growing season led to a normal canopy growth. With a reduction in clusters coupled with a normal canopy growth, the remaining fruit possessed intense aromas and flavors. Most Pinot Noir vineyards carried 1-2 tons per acre.
The weather during harvest was sunny and dry with small amounts of intermittent rainfall. Although tonnage was reduced significantly, the Pinot Noir harvested exhibited excellent color, fresh fruit aromas, and abundant complexity. Individual lots were soft and mature, and possessed very nice tannin profiles.
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