Product Description:

"This "flagship" Pinot from our Belle Pente Estate vineyard included grapes from all 8 blocks representing 6 different clonal selections (mostly Pommard and Dijon 115, but with sprinklings of 114, 113, 777, and Wadensvil). Vine age ranges from 11 to 18 years. As always, over 2/3 of the grapes come from the east blocks of the vineyard, which get morning sun, but are shielded from the intense afternoon heat that we get in the west-facing blocks.

This wine echoes the freshness and vitality of the Murto but with somewhat riper characteristics. Our Yamhill-Carlton wines always lean more towards the dark fruit end of the spectrum, with black raspberry and blueberry notes revealed in this 2011 version. The fruit is complimented by complex overtones of coffee, fresh herbs, and flowers. The tannins are firm but smooth with a savory quality that keeps you coming back for more. Intriguing now, this wine will continue to evolve in a very positive direction for at least 10 more years.

2011 was our latest harvest ever. Bud break occurred around May 7th (3 weeks later than normal), and full bloom came between July 6th and 8th. Summer didn't start until the 15th of July, and was pretty much over by mid-August. Fortunately, the early fall was relatively warm and dry, with significant precipitation holding off until early November. Our Pinot Noir harvest at the estate vineyard commenced on October 17th, and concluded on the 28th." -Winery