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1998 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir

(updated 11/17/00)

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The Wine

Although normally half our pinot production, in 1998 this wine is the same "best" value it has been applauded as being over the last 4 years, but in rarity quantities--sorry, but its core Corral Creek fruit merited single vineyard status. Fruit and the name come from our three Estate Vineyards: Ridgecrest, Stoller and Corral Creek, blended into a fully-complemented wine, from a great vintage. Amazingly deep, rich and full, this spicy, forward pinot has great structure despite being the earliest opened of the vintage. Steve Tanzer, the only reviewer to receive it to-date called it "Supple and pliant in the mouth, with enticing raspberry and blackcurrant flavors" and gave it an 89. Could hardly be better, even if it were a 4 or 5 Vineyard! 380 cases made in 1998, versus 1997s 3100 cases.

Stats

Selected barrels from most fermentation lots, harvested from 9/24-10/6/98 @22.1-25.1 brix, 3.1-3.6 pH, 5.4-6.7 TA; 12-15 days total fermentation with 5-8 days pre maceration; 11 months in barrel, 9 without racking, in 7% new French oak barrels and 64% 1 prior use; Bottled 9/29/99 with egg white fining and rough filtration. 380 cases made. THE FRUIT COMES IN 1998 FROM RIDGECREST (43%), CORRAL CREEK (14%), AND STOLLER (43%).

Quotes

Wine Enthusiast, December, 2000: 90 Points, Earthy and engaging, and a little bit rugged...a palate full of spiced up curranty fruit. Light oak shows itself early in a finish that unfolds in layers, revealing complexity and class...

Winetoday.com, September, 2000: 4 stars. Comments: Don't be in a hurry with this pinot. It needs some time to open up, but it is well worth the wait. General Qualities: medium-bodied, complex, dry, balanced acidity, slight oak impression, soft tannins. Color: dark ruby Aromas: black cherry, blueberry, dusty, smoky, spicy Flavors: black cherry, leather, plum, spicy, vanilla Other descriptors: elegant, has finesse, long finish, supple.

Northwest Palate, September, 2000: highly recommended. Dark garnet color. Closed in aroma hints at black fruits and peppercorns.Warm and spice with rich, black fruit flavors. Elegant and balanced with a long juicy finish. Try it with chicken roasted with pears and sage.

Wine Spectator, September, 2000: 93 Points, Silky, flavorful and complete. A sleek pinot noir,with a generous core of raspberry, cherry and plum, shaded with violet and cinnamon. Has all sorts of nuances that linger on the lithe, elegant frame, and has the depth to age. Drink now through 2008.

Beverage Testing Institute, July, 2000: 93 points. Brilliant red-violet hue. Rich, deeply fruited aromas of black raspberries and other forest fruits...perfectly balanced finish showing mild tannins, vanilla, vibrant acids, and ripe fruit. This sensational pinot is great now, but should age well for at least five years.

International Wine Cellar (Steve Tanzer): 89 points: Good medium deep red. Red berries, sandalwood and a whiff of meat on the nose, Supple and pliant in the mouth, with enticing raspberry and black currant flavors. Not particularly large-scaled, but nicely ripe and more graceful... Finishes with even tannins.