2008 Shea Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard Block 5

The 2008 Pinot Noir Block 5 is made from Dijon clone 777. Purple in color, dense, layered, and complex, this is a brawny, masculine effort that is loaded with sweet, savory fruit. In the style of the vintage, it conceals enough ripe tannin to evolve gracefully for 5-6 years or more and will offer a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2028. 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