1999 Signature Pinot Noir
Winemaker's Notes
This deep, garnet Pinot Noir displays raspberry, cherry, blackberry and plum aromas, with hints of oak-cedar, cinnamon, rose and mushroom on the nose. The flavors are loaded with focused dark fruits, blackberry and boysenberry, with rich supple tannins.
Beautifully balanced, with well integrated oak and a solid structure, this wine offers a long, soft, velvety finish. Suggested retail: $22.00
Technical Notes
Final Analysis: 13.0% alcohol; TA: 0.51 g/100ml; pH: 3.82
Fermentation: 100% stainless steel, temperature controlled tank fermentation in removable top fermenters. Punch down two to three times per day.
Aging: 10-12 months in French oak barrels: 25% new barrels, 25% one year old barrels, 25% two year old barrels, 25% three year old barrels.
Production: 15,200 cases
Growing Season
Bud-break this year started mid-April for most Oregon vineyards, a mere 5-10 days behind 1998’s schedule. Yet, the cold, dry month of May slowed the physiological growing process and therefore, flowering didn’t occur until the first week of July.
During berry set, a fair amount of shatter occurred indicating that berries were insufficiently pollinated. As a result, the surviving berries were slightly larger with an average number of seeds per berry at 2-3.
The month of July presented Oregon with ideal growing temperatures, not too hot, not too cold, and very dry. With a cool, dry spring and a mild summer, Oregon vineyards entered the veraison process around September 10th.
Harvest commenced on October 1st and finished around November 5th, presenting Oregon wineries with clean, dry pinot noir fruit that was loaded with beautiful color, and intense aroma and flavor precursors.
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SIGNATURE PINOT NOIR
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