Here’s yet another release from the stunning 2014 vintage in Oregon by Stephen Cary and venerable McMinnville producer Yamhill Valley Vineyards. It also serves as a marker for the balance and yields off those estate vines in 2014. In 2012, they were farmed at 2.3 tons per acre by Oct. 14. In 2014, Cary brought the fruit in from the Hilltop and Morning Light blocks by Oct. 9 and at a more robust 3.11 tons per acre. Much of those berries were Pommard clone fruit, which explains the dark and lush nose of dusty black cherry and plum with pencil shavings and enticing Christmas cake spices from 20% new French oak barrels. The drink is long and filled with finesse from flavors of Rainier cherry and more plum, backed by cherry skin tannins and blueberry juice. Cary and his team suggest pairing it with a peppered steak.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 1,248 cases
Alcohol: 14.3%
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