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1998 Corral Creek Pinot Noir

(updated 11/17/00)

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The Wine

This wine is the first commercially released vineyard-specific wine from Corral Creek Vineyards, the vineyard surrounding the winery and usually relegated to being the core of our well-known 3 Vineyard blend. In 1998 it demanded single vineyard status, with amazing balance and fullness. In most years it possesses charming strawberry and cherry fruit, but fails to provide a balanced wine. But in most years it is more heavily cropped than 0.9 tons per acre. A punishing yield, the wine however could hardly be better. Expect big, black cherry aromas and flavors, with classic pinot noir fruit characters. It is balanced in fruit, tannin, barrel, and acid. I don't know what else to say.

Only 358 cases made from the first single vineyard release vintage.

Stats

Pommard/Wadenswil/Gamay clone pinot noir fruit from the Home Block, harvested 9/30/98 at 0.9 tons per acre @24.5 brix, 6.3 g/L acid and 3.32 pH; fermented with 254 yeast in a 13 day fermentation, including 6 days pre-maceration with pectolytic enzyme; acidulated 1 g/L; aged in 40% new French oak and 67% new plus 1 year old French oak, from 6 coopers for 10 months with one racking; eggwhite fined and not filtered; Bottled 9/24/99 @ 0.02% residual sugar, 14.5% alcohol, 5.5 g/l acid, 3.58pH. 358 cases made.

Quotes

Wine Enthusiast, December, 2000: 93 Points, Delightfully piercing and pungent, the brambly bouquet features a little oak-driven carmel to soften up the leather and smoke elements. The mouthfeel is big and cushy, and at first there;s lots of vanillinon the red fruit palate. With breathing it really opens up and comes together, showing complexity and style galore.

Northwest Palate, September, 2000: highly recommended. Garnet color. Cherry fruity and graham aroma. Rich and opulent with ripe fruit and spicy oak complexity. Warm black cherry flavors balance moderate tannins. Long finish of cherry fruit. Cellar 2-5 years for softer tannins.

Wine Spectator, September, 2000: 91 Points. Earth and spice add extra depth to the bright youthful blackberry and cherry flavors. Has a flavor of fine tannins to lose, but has the vibrancy to warrant cellaring.

Winetoday.com, Leslie Sbrocco, Columnist, August, 2000: If you want to experience a little sip of Oregon this weekend, here's a roundup of the latest WineToday Pinot favorites. Four Stars! A pinot noir for shiraz lovers. It's big, ripe and juicy. General Qualities: medium-full-bodied, complex, dry, balanced acidity, integrated oak, modest tannins; Color: deep purple; Aromas: earthy, plum, smoky, vanilla; Flavors: boysenberry, clove, cola, peppery; Other Descriptors: creamy, masculine, succulent.