Our 2012 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir got a 94 from the Prince of Pinot. Here are his reviews for all of our 2012 Pinots:
2012 WildAire Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.55, 72 cases, $45. Harvest Brix 24.5º. 100% Wädenswil clone from Block 25. 100% de-stemmed, 7-day cold soak, inoculated fermentation. Aged 10 months in 33% new French Oak barrels. ·Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Very engaging aromas of dark cherry pie glaze, spice, violets and smoky oak. Delicious core of nicely ripened black cherry fruit with a hint of mocha and spice. The fruit really attracts attention as it is vivid and juicy. There is a good amount of fine-grain tannins for structural integrity and noticeably intense finishing presence. I am not usually a fan of single clone Wädenswil Pinot Noir, but this beauty bursts my bubble. A standout. Score: 94
2012 WildAire Zenith Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.55, 72 cases, $45. Harvest Brix 24º. 66% Wädenswil, 34% Dijon clone 115. 100% de-stemmed, 7-day cold soak, inoculated with yeast. Aged 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. ·Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, sarsaparilla, and forest floor are inviting. Juicy and easy to like mid weight core of fresh cherry goodness with a hint of boysenberry. Nicely integrated oak, mild tannins and good finishing power. Score: 92
2012 WildAire Reserve Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 250 cases, $35 (sold out). Crafted from select barrels from several legendary Oregon vineyards (Kiff clone 777, Shea Wädenswill clone, Zenith clone 115 and Wädenswil, and Illahe Pommard clone). 100% destemmed, Native and proprietary yeast fermentations. 23 days on the skins. Aged 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Appealing aromas of black cherries, loganberries and loamy earth. Relatively approachable for a reserve wine, with tasteful notes of black cherry, boysenberry, plum and spice. The tannins are balanced and the wine finishes with a moderately intense charge of cherry fruit. The wine improves over time in the glass indicate age worthiness. Score: 91
2012 WildAire Timothy Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.55, 260 cases, $25, screwcap. This wine is dedicated to Matt Driscoll’s father, who loved to hike in the Appalachian Mountains and return to the homestead to share a glass of wine with family and friends. Sourced from Shea, Kiff, Illahe and Zenith vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, proprietary yeast. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very fragrant initially with aromas of raspberry, cherry, rose petal and dried herbs, losing interest over time in the glass as the fruit aromas faded. Middleweight flavors of cherry and raspberry with a hint of spice and noticeable oak presence. A forward drinking, back porch wine. Score: 87
