2004 Pinot Noir Reserve

Winemaker: Stephen J. Cary

Pinot Noir plantings at Yamhill Valley Vineyards account for 72 of our 98 acres of grapes. They are scattered over eleven separate plots on seven distinct soils, all primarily marine sedimentary types with some limited volcanic intrusions. There are a total of eleven clones in the mix. The dominant ones are Pommard, Wadenswil, and the more recent Dijon selections, 115, 667, and 777. The oldest vines, from 1983-1988 are on their own roots. All subsequent plantings are on a variety of grafted rootstocks. The deepest soils vines are dry farmed, the thinner, hillside blocks are irrigated to supplement their low moisture content. This wine was blended from nine of the eleven estate blocks.

We are the oldest winery and the second oldest vineyard in what has very recently been recognized as the McMinnville American Viticultural Area. The unique thing about this subregion of the Willamette Valley is that eroded marine sedimentary soils dominate. Most other Oregon PN areas have strong volcanic influences, here they are minimal. On our site we have heavy clay soils that produce Pinot Noirs with unusually intense color, tannin, and structure. It’s the nature of the place, our “terroir”. Buy Online