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2002 Pinot Gris Reserve

(updated 1/11/05)

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The Wine

This is the version of pinot gris we make to provide ultimate complexity and structure. Using Alsace as a standard, we seek weight and richness to make this more than a simple white. This pinot gris is a true reserve wine — the fruit is divided at harvest, after full ripeness is achieved, with the reserve portion going through barrel fermentation in neutral oak. With long lees contact, minor partial ML (malolactic fermentation), and a variety of yeasts — the wine is concentrated, complex, well-textured, and carries tropical fruit aromas and a tight pear flavor profile, accented with a honeyed richness.

The Vineyards

Fruit comes from our three Estate Vineyards: Ridgecrest, Stoller and Corral Creek, blended into a fully-complemented wine. The estate vineyards are planted on three different soil types, which provides complementary elements in resulting wines: Ridgecrest on Willakenzie, Stoller on Jory, and Corral Creek on Laurelwood. The interaction of clone and site add great complexity, consistency and fullness of character to blends of pinot gris, especially in an excellent vintage.

The Vintage

2002 is an amazing vintage, characterized by an early, warm growing season, a spurt of rain prior to the harvest period that served to stabilize sugars, acids and pHs, and a dry, long harvest period with cool-to-moderate temperatures that allowed us to pick at precisely timed points for ultimate ripeness. For example, pinot noir was picked over a full month, from September 26 through October 26. Healthy croploads permitted full ripeness over this extended harvest, with excellent concentration and retained acidities.

Stats

Harvest Data:

Harvested 9/26 to 10/21, 2002 (Ridgecrest Vineyards approximately 35%, Stoller 48%, and Corral Creek 17%) @ a range of 23.6-24.3 brix, 7.05-8.4 g/L TA, and 3.26-3.44 pH

Fermentation:

Fermented with 6 yeasts (3079, VL3, ALS, native, SIHA7, VL1) in neutral oak barrels

Cooperage/Aging:

Aged for 6 months without racking (i.e., on lees); minimal ML

Bottling:

Cold stabilized and sterile filtered, bottled 4/3/03

Bottling Analyses:

14.4% alcohol, 7.0 g/l TA, 3.26 pH, 0.47% residual sugar

Cases Produced:

685

Suggested Retail:

$19

Release Date:

October, 2003

Winemaker's Comments

As with the last couple years, this Pinot Gris Reserve is right on target, with a restrained, slightly lemon curd nose and a dry, Poir William palate. It retains a great acidity, has a long finish and will open up to complex layers with aging. No barrel, lees or ML intrusions are apparent and it is well balanced for aging. Meets our objective of being a serious, multi-faceted wine from beautifully fruity pinot gris.

Quotes

2005 Food & Wine Magazine Wine Guide: 3 stars (Excellent. Top-notch example of its type.) Dry, full-bodied, light oak, high acidity...Luscious Pinot Gris, with indulgent spice, autumn fruit, and herb flavors.(One of only 13 Oregon whites highlighted)

Wine Spectator, May 31, 2004, Harvey Steiman: 89 points. Bright and juicy with grapefruit and melon flavors that last on the tangy finish.

Northwest Palate, March/April 2004: Highly Recommended. Aromas of vanilla and toasted nuts. Good concentration of ripe pear and vanilla. Long, juicy, toasty finish; pair with crab ravioli.

San Francisco Chronicle, Thursday, January 8, 2004. Clean and uncomplicated; honeysuckle and forward ripe aromas of pear, melon and mineral plus a hit of toasty oak; slightly sweet apple and pear flavors with a touch of spice.