Montinore Estate Pinot Noir Graham's Block 7 2014

With 30-year old, self-rooted vines, the trellising for the Pinot Noir vines in the Graham's Block, or Block 7, on the estate vineyard produces clusters with small berries, allowing for more concentrated flavors with deeper red fruit notes. The 2014 vintage was perfectly ripe when harvested in late September at 24.6 brix. It was fermented with native yeasts for 21 days on skins with 12% whole cluster. It was then aged for 17 months on 35% new French barriques, predominantly Tonnelier Francois Freres.

The 2014 Graham’s Block 7 is a great example of Pinot Noir from the northwestern corner of the Willamette Valley. An intriguing array of aromas that include raspberry, black cherry, cedar and sandalwood lead to a preserved cherry, savory herbs, green peppercorn and pie spice. Lithe tannins add structure and verve and a mild smokiness offers a memorable finish. It is striking now and has great ageing potential.