WINEMAKER'S NOTES
The 2001 Pinot Noir has coalesced in the bottle to one of our most stellar wines. Deep ruby in color, bright fruit aromas of berries, cherries and a touch of fresh chanterelle are accented by hints of exotic spices and violet and hibiscus. In the mouth, this rich-bodied wine unfolds with flavors of fresh black cherries balanced by the presence of sweet red cherry, clove and rich blackberry notes. The fully integrated oak and tannins carry though the fresh black fruit flavors without a trace of astringency or woodiness. These fresh berry flavors carry through on an incredibly long, rich finish.

THE VINEYARDS
Our Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is now produced exclusively from the Van Duzer Estate vineyards surrounding the winery where the traditional Burgundian Pommard and Wädenwil clones produce bright, spicy fruit characteristic of the Eola Hills Region. Our newly producing Dijon clones, 115, 667 and 777 add more spice, depth and richness to the overall blend.

The 2001 growing season finished late. In October, the vineyard was blessed with a dry east wind and mild temperatures which bought time for the grapes to concentrate their flavor and complexity with the extra time on the vine. Harvest was completed October 28. 


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WINEMAKING
For the fourth year in a row, conditions were favorable for producing exceptional wine. The grape clusters were hand-harvested, destemmed and cold macerated to achieve bright color and soft tannins. When fermentation was completed, the wine was transferred to a mix of half new and half neutral French oak barrels to age for 10 months prior to bottling.