2007 Pinot Noir Momtazi Vineyard
Appellation
McMinnville
1 In Stock
91 pts – Vinous; 90 pts - Burghound
Vineyard Notes
Momtazi Vineyard is located in the McMinnville AVA, 7 miles west of McMinnville, Oregon. Planted in 1999 and 2004 on thin, poor soils, the vines have a south and SW exposure at an elevation of 680-760'. The vineyard is certified biodynamic by Demeter. In 2006 I approached Moe Momtazi and asked if St. Innocent could contract for Pinot noir fruit from his bio-dynamically farmed vineyard. From my first trip to France in 1998, I observed that the greatest domaines in both Burgundy and Alsace had one thing in common: they farmed bio-dynamically.
Production Notes
Release Date: Sep 2009; Production 1176 cases
Winemaker Notes
Vintage Notes: 2007 was a challenging Oregon vintage. Bud break and bloom occurred “on time,” followed by a summer of above normal temperatures (over 100ºF). September was slightly below normal, setting up the possibility of long hang times. A series of rain fronts progressed weekly across Oregon’s vineyards, delaying harvest by two weeks or more. As flocks of migratory birds invaded the vineyards with each successive storm front, growers used bird netting for the first time. Harvest went in spurts in the dry windows between weekly weather events. Growers who thinned to lower yields and rigorously maintained spray schedules were rewarded with balanced and elegantly ripened fruit. It was possible, but not easy to pick with ripe tannins, layers of complex and subtle flavors and a solid backbone of acidity. Many of the white wines achieved significant critical acclaim; the best of the Pinot noir wines have benefited from bottle age and are expected to age very well.