2008 White Rose Estate White Rose Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.45, 176 cases, $75. The winery’s flagship wine. Fruit from blocks 2, 3 and 5 was 80% de-stemmed with 20% whole cluster, and fruit from block 1 was 100% whole cluster fermented. 20 to 26 days of skin contact, pressed off with a wooden basket press. Aged 14 months in 13% new French oak barrels. · Moderately deep ruby color in the glass. Shy, but haunting aromas of black cherries, grilled meat and spice. A black tie, sophisticated wine that is still a bit stiff and formal and needs time to unwind. That said, it offers a perfect balance of perfecgtly ripe cherry and berry fruit, vital acidity and refined tannins. The silky mouth feel adds to the allure. The beauty of this wine grows on you over time in the glass and is spectacular the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very classy juice. Reviewed December 14, 2010

Winery: White Rose Estate
From article: Drinking Small Part 2