2005 Shea Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard Pommard Clone

The 2005 Pinot Noir “Pommard Clone” registers considerably higher on the pleasure scale. Dark ruby-colored, it has an expressive nose of smoke, black cherry, and Asian spices. This is followed by a wine with excellent grip, a wide band of sweet fruit, lively acidity, and light tannin in the finish. There is enough structure for 3-5 years of evolution and it will drink well through 2024. The 2006 Shea Pinot Noirs tasted from barrel reflect a totally different style of vintage. They are riper, more fragrant, more alcoholic, softer, and user-friendly. They lack the muscle, acidity, and tannin of 2005 but seem to be significantly better balanced. Dick and Dierdre Shea began planting their 200 acre site in 1989 (140 acres are now planted) and started the winery in 1996. Over the years, some of the most renowned wineries in Oregon and even Manfred Krankl at Sine Qua Non have made Shea Vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs, a testament to the quality of the fruit. As one might expect, with a vineyard of this size, there are numerous exposures and microclimates and the vineyard is planted to a wide variety of clones. Tel. (503) 241-6527; www.sheawinecellars.com