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Phone: 1.88.CUVEE (28833)
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Phone: 1.88.CUVEE (28833)
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© 1999 - 2012 Amalie Robert Estate, LLC |
2007 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. Our use of whole clusters in each fermentation provides a continuously evolving tasting experience. 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: The 2007 vintage was another example of cool climate viticulture. Our measure of this is degree days, or how much warmth the vines received. We registered below 1,900 degree days, the coolest year we have ever seen at Amalie Robert Estate.
The vines however, did not seem overly concerned. Bud break and bloom came as we have come to expect. Fruit set was not overloaded as we saw in 2006. This vintage brought considerable disease pressure to the Willamette Valley. We were fortunate to have been on top of the challenges for the year and had little incidence of compromised fruit. This in turn allowed us to let our fruit hang through the rains of early October. Harvest was “fast and furious” during the middle 2 weeks of October, and the Syrah and Viognier were picked on November 7th. 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. Pungent incense, five spice powder, candied red cherry and sweet cigar box cedar segue to a lithe palate experience. Candied red fruits, dried herbs and a sweet core of freshly tilled soil drench the plate. The rich mouth feel also shows focus and an effortless transition to the many layers of this wine. The mid-palate tension leaves a sense of something more just below the surface, waiting to be revealed. The expansive finish continues to develop underscoring the balance and power hidden in this vintage. Or, more simply put, “Pretty Fruit, Nice Acid ®.” Unfined and unfiltered. 277 cases produced. Food Pairings: Braised lamb shoulder with coriander, fresh ginger, smoked paprika, nutmeg and a hint of freshly grated lemon peel during plating. All cheeses are welcome, however a fresh and local Oregon blue is our favorite. 2007 Estate Accolades Josh Raynolds - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, July/August 2010
Oregon Wine Awards, May 2010 – Double Gold 2006 Estate Accolades Jay Miller - Wine Advocate, October 2009
Paul Gregutt - Wine Enthusiast Magazine, October 2009
Josh Raynolds - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2009
Northwest Palate Magazine, May/June 2009: Recommended Oregon Wine Awards, May 2009 – Bronze 2005 Estate Accolades Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2007 – 90 points |
