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2006 Estate Pinot Noir

Estate is an exclusive barrel selection of Pinot Noir representing the unique qualities of our vineyard. Every block within our 30 acre vineyard is individually hand harvested at its peak of flavor maturity and intensity. Block by block, the fruit is fermented in small 1.5 ton lots and matured for over 12 months in French oak barrels.

Every vineyard block and clone/rootstock combination showcases something unique and special from the vineyard. After fermentation is complete, the wine is placed into a selection of barrels to mature. We source French oak barrels from several coopers. The wine takes a different path to maturity in each barrel, developing its own nuances.

We taste all of our barrels of wine many times throughout the year. We experience the evolution of flavors and aromas and remember the significant events in our vineyard. The excitement of an early bloom, the mystery of a very light fruit set, the discovery of color change at veraison and the rapture of harvest. Tasting each barrel of wine provides us a snapshot in time. We experience the wine’s development.  

It is usually during the spring when Pinot Noir in barrel begins to reveal the character of the vintage. Much like experiencing the lavender lilac bloom – you notice the color, then the hint of sweetness in the air and as time passes you are witness to the entire bloom – a testament to the season. This is when we begin blending trials for Estate.

The Vintage: 2006 marks another warm and bountiful vintage for Amalie Robert Estate. The growing season was warm without excessive temperature spikes or drought. Degree days came in just under 2,200, rainfall from April through October was just under 6” and seemed to come just at the right time. Ernie manages the vineyard, but Mother Nature handles the irrigation program. These conditions provided for beautifully developed and very expressive fruit.

Tasting Notes: Estate reveals the fully developed power, richness and balance from the vintage. We select barrels that enliven the palate and provide a lasting finish. Estate is the complement to Amalie’s Cuvée.

The rich and brooding black cherry hue introduces aromas of dark chocolate covered espresso beans, dried Bing cherries and spices framed by cigar box, cedar and underbrush. A well rounded and fully developed palate offers richness and layers of Pinot noir fruit. Mouth coating tannins and firm acidity frame the powerful finish and reinforce this wine’s staying power.

Unfined and unfiltered. 235 cases produced. Dijon Clone 115 (57%), Dijon Clone 114 (16%), Dijon Clone 113 (16%) and Wadenswil (11%).

Food Pairings: Roast veal chop with smoked paprika, herbed spatezle and sautéed morel mushrooms. Blue cheeses including Stilton and Gorgonzola.

2006 Estate Accolades

Jay Miller - Wine Advocate, October 2009

The 2006 Pinot Noir Estate delivers an aromatic array of spice box, smoke, cherry, and raspberry. Medium-bodied, on the palate it has good concentration and depth, savory red fruit flavors, light tannin, and an easy-going personality. It will provide pleasure over the next eight years. 90 pts.

Paul Gregutt - Wine Enthusiast Magazine, October 2009

This is essentially a reserve, similar to the Dijon Clones bottling but given more time in oak. It is a powerful, muscular wine, and the strawberry and cherry flavors are sweet and candied. Almost half the oak was new, and adds a chocolaty twist to the finish. - P.G. (10/1/2009) - 91

Josh Raynolds - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2009

Medium red. Fresh strawberry and raspberry aromas are complicated by dried rose, underbrush and licorice notes. Fleshy, gently sweet red berry flavors coat the palate and are framed by fine-grained tannins, which are slowly absorbed by the fruit. The sweet berry flavors linger on the finish, which is broad, velvety and edge-free. This is delicious right now. 92 points.

Northwest Palate Magazine, May/June 2009: Recommended

Oregon Wine Awards, May 2009: Bronze

2005 Estate Accolades

Josh Raynolds - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2007

Bright medium red. Black raspberry, kirsch and Indian spices on the nose, with a subtle floral undertone gaining strength with air. Red and dark berry flavors offer medium body and good depth and sweetness, with the suave, velvety finish displaying sneaky mineral lift, a strong blackberry quality and no obvious tannins. 90 points.