2008 Shea Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard Homer

The flagship of Shea Vineyards is the Homer cuvee made from a blend of the best barrels in the cellar. The 2008 Pinot Noir Homer is dark ruby/purple in color with a breath-taking, multi-dimensional aromatic array of sandalwood, Asian spices, incense, rose petal, black cherry, and black raspberry that leaps from the glass. Super-concentrated, opulent, and Reubenesque on the palate, it manages to be light on its feet and powerful at the same time. With amazing balance and precision and a finish that lasts for over a minute, it is a candidate for wine of the vintage as well as a tour de force. Dick Shea has more than 20 clients for the fruit he grows at his large Yamhill-Carlton estate, most of whom vineyard designate the resulting wine. More often than not, it is the best wine in their respective portfolios and the one that sells out the most quickly. Currently Shea retains 25% of the fruit to go under the winery label. The wines are made by the talented Drew Voit with the vineyards managed by Javier Marin. Tel. (503) 241-6527; www.sheawinecellars.com