Pinot Noir Orchard Block
2016
Sokol Blosser is one of the pioneering estates of the Oregon state wine industry. In 1971 when Bill Blosser and Susan Sokol Blosser began converting an old prune orchard into a vineyard they became one of five bonded wineries in the region. In the ensuing decades Oregon’s wine industry has grown (today there are over 500 wineries), changed and blossomed with Sokol Blosser at the forefront. Leading by example in their quest to produce exceptional wines while also promoting social and...
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In our 45th growing year at Sokol Blosser was very special: their earliest bloom on record. You can just about set your clock from the time of bloom to the first day of harvest…100 days. Grapes were harvested in August as it was not a especially dry year and typical heavy rainfall hit in the winter of 2015 and 2016. The winery was very happy with the fruit knowing it is a vintage of excellent quality.
The grapes were carefully hand harvested at 22°Brix on a cool morning the last day of August. They were then sorted by hand on the crush pad to remove any flawed bunches and 100% destemmed directly into several 3-ton stainless steel fermenters. 20% of the ferments were inoculated with Sokol Blosser's native yeast. The remaining portion was inoculated with a slow and cool fermenting yeast. Cap management was done via gentile punch downs up to 2 times per day. The wine from this block was drained and pressed off the skins immediately following primary fermentation with 13-15 days of skin contact time.This wine was aged in 100% French oak barrels for 17 months with minimal SO2 levels. There were 10 barrels hand selected for this final 2016 Orchard blend. 30% of the blend consists of wine aged new oak barrels. 50% of the blend includes wine sourced from a young section of this block just starting to come into its own.
Aromas of fresh blueberries and cherries. The tannins are delicate with strong flavors of black cherry and red currant. Hints of plum and cedar linger on the finish.
Wow! Such stunningly pure, freshly sliced cherries abound, together with a gently spicy edge and attractive fresh-herbal notes, too. It is all here. The palate has such depth and completeness and delivers such impressively fresh, deep and pure flavors of red to dark cherries. Silky and delicious pinot.
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Limpid ruby-red. An expansive, spice-tinged bouquet evokes fresh red and blue fruits, vanilla and cola, and a sexy floral nuance builds as the wine opens up. Sweet and seamless in texture, showing very good depth and fine definition to the raspberry, boysenberry, cherry cola and rose pastille flavours. A hint of earthiness emerges on a very long, penetrating finish shaped by smooth tannins. 25% new oak.
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Powerful floral aromatics as violets introduce deep blue fruits, forest floor, and a note of iodine. This old 2.5ha plum and cherry orchard produces wines of depth, elegance and restrained power. The palate is lushly fruited with ripe red raspberries, clove and turned earth. The finish is elegant and long-lived.
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Light bright magenta color. Assertive black raspberry, cherry compote and potpourri scents are complemented by hints of incense and smoky minerals. Fleshy and concentrated but nervy as well, offering juicy dark berry, vanilla and spicecake flavors sharpened by a spicy suggestion of white pepper. Finishes bright, appealingly sweet and very long, with resonating spiciness, well-knit tannins and subtle florality.
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Plenty of raspberries, sliced strawberries, dried flowers and spices. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins and bright acidity. Juicy and spicy on the palate with a vibrant, flavorful finish. Energetic. From organically grown grapes.
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Bright magenta. Powerful blackberry, cherry, licorice and pungent floral aromas show very good, spicy lift and clarity. Chewy, concentrated and gently sweet, offering palate-staining dark berry, violet pastille and savory herb flavors that are given spice cut by a white pepper nuance. Displays excellent definition and spicy thrust on the long, chewy finish, which features dusty tannins and a sexy floral note. (raised in 30% new French oak).
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The oak is dialed right up in this young pinot and frames the red cherries in spicy and savory aromas and delivers a sturdy frame of fine tannins on the palate...
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Sleek and supple, with delicately layered rose petal, raspberry and guava flavors laced with black tea and spices. Ends with fine-grained tannins
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Harmonious and sleek, with layered cherry and pomegranate flavors accented by spiced cinnamon and orange peel notes.
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This offers concentrated black fruit along with the tannins and stem flavors that result from extended maceration. It was aged 17 months in 44% new French oak, which lends smoke and espresso notes to the extended finish.
Bright and refreshing, with a tangy edge and a layer of savory flavors wrapping around the polished cherry fruit at the center. Has presence and definition on a light frame.
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Here you'll find a mix of tart citrus (principally orange peel) with wild berry fruit. It's a tart and tangy wine, with a dash of herb and some earthy tannins...
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