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2008 Pinot Noir, Justice Vineyard
Release Date: 5/28/2010 Price: $50 Production: 340cases Production Notes: The grapes were fermented in a small tank after two days of cold maceration. The wine aged for 16 months in 43% new French oak barrels and was bottled by gravity without fining or filtration. Crop Level 2.0 tons/ acre This Pinot noir complements a wide variety of rich meat and vegetable dishes, especially those with grilled or spicy preparations. When served young, this wine is best opened 1-2 hours before serving . It is drinkable at release and will benefit from aging up to 8 years.
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Winemaker Notes
Justice Vineyard is located just over the east ridge of the Eola-Amity Hills just south of Bethel Heights Winery. Planted in 2001 at 500' in elevation on a southeast slope of thin volcanic soil, the vineyard faces the Cascade Mountains. These grapes come from a 2.33 acre block in the NW corner of the vineyard. It is a state-of-the-art, vertical canopy, high density planting of Pinot noir clone 777 and is farmed by one of Oregon's best grapegrowers, Ted Casteel. Our first vintage was in 2004.
I consider it to be a blessing to access fruit from Justice Vineyard. I have asked counsel regarding grape growing problems from Ted Casteel for years. To make wine from fruit grown by him is a gift.
2008 was an exceptional vintage, made exceptional by being quietly ordinary. Bloom was very late in variable weather. The result was smaller clusters with fewer berries. The summer passed quickly with veraison occurring earlier than expected, leaving the false impression that there was more crop hanging in the vineyard than there really was. Final ripening took place in endless cool, sunny days in an atmosphere of calm that I have never experienced, but hope to again. The fruit was picked clean and perfectly ripe. The only downside was the very small crop, our smallest in ten years.
Tasting Notes
Great vineyard locations produce wines that transcend the difficulties of a vintage. By this definition, Justice is a great vineyard. In this undeniably great vintage, it can be spectacular. Although only in its eighth leaf, this wine has a breadth of texture and flavor layers that indicate very great potential for this site as the vines achieve maturity.
The 2008 Pinot noir, Justice Vineyard has layered spice aromas of ginger and cloves with dark berries and hints of roasted chilies. The mouth is powerful and nuanced with red and black berries, fruit cobbler, rich pie spices and strawberry preserves. It has a signature viscosity, an almost creamy quality that extends and richens the mouthfeel and prolongs its finish.
It is a great match for chops, grilled meats, salmon, wild game, and a wide variety of risotto and pasta dishes. Drink over the next few years or age up to a decade and watch it evolve.
Mark Vlossak, winemaker