The Wine
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2006 Alyssa Wine Maker's Notes
The wine has the same dark magenta, Indian ruby color as the 2005, but, is bigger in the mouth. The nose is shy and reminiscent of the 2005 vintage which is wonderful for consistency of place and powerful floral notes. The wine exhibits dark cherries and a smoky quality that is somewhat more reminiscent of Eola than Amity. The nose evolves with time in the glass. Upon opening, the nose offers more traditional mature Amity fruits with notes of fine French oak, smoke and hints of spice.
The wine enters the mouth with a silky feel. The attack on the palate is much more substantial than the 2005 vintage. The flavors explode due to the whole cluster fermentation which adds subtle peppery notes and length to the attack. The primary flavor on attack is powerful dark cherry fruit with smoky integrated support from the toasty new French oak barrels. This results in a complete full mouth supporting the classic “earthy” flavors of the soils in which the grapes were grown.
R. Gary Andrus – Winemaker
Eola – Amity HillsSouth Facing280' to 480'Dijon 113, 114, and 1158 years (average)Technical InformationSeptember 29, 200625.6 (average)407 days20 days23℃ average33℃ peak14.3 by volume3.656.2 grams per liter75% (100% French) Francois Freres & DamyOctober 8, 2007Shop via Northwest Wines to You
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2006 Thomas Wine Maker's Notes
The color is somewhat lighter and more finessful than the bold colors of the Alyssa, which is typical of the vineyards in the Dundee Hills AVA. The brick hue of the color shows more developed in the glass and well supports the attack in the mouth and the finish that unfolds. The dark fruits of plum and dark cherry become the undertone of the terroir; we recognize the red-volcanic soil more than the darker fruit notes of the vine.
The aroma is definitely classic Red Hills with earth, floral overtones and minerality. The floral aromas are reminiscent of the Burgundy Cotes du Nuits and are enhanced by very subtle hints of spice and fine French oak. The acidity is vibrant and expressive which should provide great aging potential.
R. Gary Andrus – Winemaker
Dundee HillsSouth East Facing280' to 480'Pommard, Dijon (113, 115, 667, 777, 828)9 years (average)Technical InformationSeptember 27, 200625.2 (average)427 days17 days23℃ average34℃ peak14.1 by volume3.656.1 grams per liter70% (100% French) Francois Freres & DamyNovember 5, 2007Shop via Northwest Wines to You -
2006 Nipple Hill Wine Tasting Notes
Nipple Hill is special small lot wine; the result of a wine making approach worthy of note, stepping back to a simpler time. After removing the tops from sixty-gallon, standard French Burgundy oak barrels, the six austere fermentation vessels were filled with the destemmed grapes. The small lots and wooden vessels created an optimal environment for the development of the wine; the wines developed slowly at their own pace with significantly lower heat and longer, gentler fermentations. This slow, gentle fermentation resulted in a more complex layering and wonderfully integrated flavors and tannins.
Spice and earth combine in this barrel fermented Pinot Noir. This wine represents a blend of the three Dijon clones, 113, 114 and 115 from ten year old vines. Fermented separately in French Oak barrels, the wine was then aged for 16 months, again in new French oak. Soft tannins combine with dense fruit for a complex structure and long finish. This wine will reward the patient.
Kelly Kidneigh, Winemaker
Eola – Amity HillsSouth Facing280' to 480'Dijon 113, 114, and 11510 years (average)Technical InformationSeptember 29, 200625.6 (average)N/A7 days14 days17℃ average27℃ peak14.6 by volume3.85.2 grams per liter100% Danny (French Oak)February 1, 2008Shop via Northwest Wines to You
