2011 Bell Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR

Viticulture
Winegrowing in Oregon's Willamette Valley has been well established since the 1860s. The Valley is a large and climatically diverse region extending more than 150 miles from Portland to Eugene, dwarfing valleys such as Napa. Since the valley is exposed directly to maritime airflow off the Pacific Ocean, site selection and management is absolutely critical to fruit quality. Winters are mild, but cool, wet summers make the work of achieving optimum ripeness and balance every winemaker’s challenge. Our Pinot noir comes from a vineyard in the southern part of the valley, specifically situated above the fog line of the Valley floor, but below the wind line where ripeness is often impaired. The gently sloping, southern facing vineyards, featuring brick-red volcanic soils that drain particularly well, produce a Pinot noir displaying dark ruby coloring and a robust palate.
In Oregon, each vintage is an expression of that year and place. Our Oregon Collection wines exhibit not only the classic characteristics of their varietals, but also unique nuances in their flavor profiles.

Vintage Notes
The 2011 growing season in the North Willamette Valley was cool and very long. The harvest was one of the latest on record with growers and vintners nervously watching the sky. Perfect weather at flowering caused the vines to set a very large crop, but cool, cloudy weather in late spring and early summer slowed ripening. Heat accumulation over the season was one of the lowest in decades. Many growers thinned the crop significantly to encourage ripening of remaining bunches, but potential yields were still 50 to 100 percent larger than normal. The good news is that the long hang time in the vineyard produced wonderful flavors, and a late summer saved the day in what they are calling the “miracle vintage.” Tasting Notes
Our Willamette Valley Pinot noir has a bright cranberry color with aromas of spice and ripe red raspberries. On the palate, flavors of mineral and cherries give way to hints of toasty oak. This Oregon Pinot noir has a core of bright acidity and fine tannins that enhances the delicate flavors of this wine. Lamb, duck or salmon pair well with this delightful wine.