Firesteed Pinot Noir

In 2011, a cool spring and July 5th flowering set the stage for a late harvest. Fortunately, fantastic fall weather allowed the grapes to fully ripen. Harvest began first at our Erratic Oaks Vineyard on Ballard Road on October 19th and then continued through the end of the month at the winerys Estate Vineyard and other selected sites throughout the Willamette Valley.Our 2011 Pinot Noir continues the Firesteed tradition of a consistent fruity style, achieved with gentle techniques in the cellar and imagination in the vineyard. The grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks with selected yeasts propagated from cellars in Burgundy, pressed during the last days of fermentation, and racked as soon as the wine finished malolactic fermentation. A touch of barrel-aged wine was included in the blend to round out the flavors and enhance complexity.This wine is expressive, with focused aromas of wild blueberry, ripe raspberry and hints of white pepper. Flavors of black licorice, cocoa powder and espresso encourage a second sip before flowing into the soft, lingering finish.Wine Analysis:PH: 3.60 / TA: 6.50 g/l / Alcohol % 12.0