2007 Pinot Noir Oregon

Winemaker: Stephen J. Cary

Pinot Noir plantings at Yamhill Valley Vineyards account for 73 of our 100 acres of grapes. They are scattered over ten 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 water retention. This wine was blended from eight of the ten 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 are strongly influenced by volcanic soils, here the impact is 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”.

Since 1998 we have experienced a constant string of warmer than average vintages. That changed in 2007. A cool and late spring led to a normal summer but a cool September. That was followed by rain in early October that resulted in clean fruit but not as concentrated as we have come to expect. This is a far more ‘typical’ Oregon year than we have seen of late and the wines show the finesse and delicacy such years produce.

As I write this (11/08) the wine has been in bottle two months. It is already showing the elegance we expect in cooler years. I do not expect this wine to live an extended life. It will be sold at a modest price to encourage early consumption and I think that is the way it should be. Enjoy this delightful quaff and save the bigger vintages for more aging.

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