2009 Auteur Shea Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 195 cases, $60. 90% de-stemmed, 10-day cold soak, minimal cap manipulation, 7- day post fermentation maceration, aged in new and 1-year-old barrels. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued nose, picking up interest with time in the glass to reveal aromas of dark berry jam, dark chocolate and well-perfumed flowers. Tasty melange of blue and black berry fruits with subtle oak highlights and a lively acid grip on the finish. Picks up intensity with time in the glass. The fruit is obviously classy, but nothing stands out at this stage. Still very good the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Not as approachable as many 2009 Oregon Pinot Noirs, this wine will benefit from more cellaring. Very good (+). Reviewed May 15, 2011

Winery: Auteur
From article: California Pinot With Plenty of Noir