2006 Pinot Blanc

Winemaker: Stephen J. Cary

Pinot Blanc, the latest member of the Pinot family at Yamhill Valley Vineyards, was first planted in 1993. It is thought to be a mutation of Pinot Gris. We had been impressed with what some of Oregon’s early producers had done with it and decided to plant a small plot. When the first grapes arrived in 1996 they made such a wonderous wine that we immediately began making plans to expand our plantations. Over the next two years we added 14 acres in two separate plots using two certified Alsatian clones. We even ripped out our mature 10 acres of chardonnay to replant with this marvelous variety.

What first fired our imagination about the wine from our site was the silky feel in the mouth, an intriguing mineral quality, and the scent and taste of melons. The combination was stunning and completely different from its sister, Pinot Gris. We realized it was possible to grow two white Pinot members and have both produce exciting but very different wines.

The 2006 growing season was a return to a cooler, more normal Oregon climate. Summer was beautiful, dry and warm but not hot. We got the long, gradually cooling conditions we love for September and October so the fruit had lots of time to develop layers of complexity. These are the conditions we hope for and they are what we got.

Like the other members of the Pinot family, Blanc has a great ability to complement a wide range of foods. We suggest going lightly with ‘warm’ spices, avoiding very hot combinations. We love it with oysters, shrimp, and especially Dungeness crab. Most combinations that use butter, cream, or cheese work beautifully. Enjoy! Buy Online

2006 Pinot Blanc Statistics

Harvest Picking Dates: October 12-14 Yield: 4.0T/Acre Brix: 23.1 – 24.4 pH: 3.3 – 3.36 TA: 5.8 – 6.1g/ltr

Fermentation Vessels: Stainless Steel Yeast: inoculated Duration: 39 days

Aging Vessels: 95% Stainless, 5% old barrels Duration: 4 months

Bottling March 15, 2007 Composition: From all three Estate blocks; Main, Hilltop and Casa. pH: 3.32 – TA 5.9 g/l – Alcohol 13.5% - R.S.: .6% Cases Produced: 288