Square, Plumb & Level 2016 Pinot Noir, Libra Vyd., Yamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley

Libra Vineyard is located 4 miles east of Carlton, Oregon in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA.  This vineyard boasts alluvial, loam and volcanic soil: 2/3 Willakenzie Marine Sedimentary, 1/3 Jory Volcanic stretching 330’-430’ in elevation.  The vineyard is planted to cane-pruned Pommard and Dijon777 clones of Pinot averaging 10 years of age. Winemaker P. Andrew Taylor is a specialist in cold-climate viticulture overseeing all details from vine health to finished bottling.

SPL Pinot Noir undergoes extensive, cold maceration in small lots to preserve clonal integrity.  Should the native yeast not execute a proper and full fermentation, grapes get inoculate with Barolo (BRL97) yeast as it is exceptional in color retention for thin-skinned grapes that are susceptible to wine pathogens. The wine aged 10 months in French Oak barrels, 25% new Francois Freres (Troncais), Dargaud and Jaegle (Vosges).

This Pinot from the excellent 2016 vintage shows rose petal, dried cherries, subtle brown spices and a round ripe mouthfeel. The finish is long and elegant. An aoutstanding value for single vineyard Oregon Pinot Noir. Don't miss it!