WTN: 2005 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard

• 2005 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (12/1/2007)
  Popped and poured since we needed one more glass of wine. The rest was saved. Toasted spice on the nose. Very nice. Small touch of tobacco and chocolate. Not much change on the second day other than a bit more earth and brambly elements. I love the spice element in this wine. Perfect for Christmas. Tons of fruit all they way through to the finish. Then there is nice spice. The fruit is sweet but it is well balanced with the acid. Light easy going tannins. Not seamless but not clunky either. I am tempted to have another before the year is out but I think I am going to dig out the 04 instead. (92 pts.)

Cheers,

Jason

I look forward to trying this....I think I should have some of this in my possession soonish. And sounds like it is good to go too.. nice ....

I look forward to trying this....I think I should have some of this in my possession soonish. And sounds like it is good to go too.. nice ....

You have 2 coming your way on Tuesday! I look forward to you thoughts on it.

Jason

Good TN, Jason. I'll try to find the wine when the shops open tomorrow. After reading yours I checked out the other St. I Justice TNs on Cellar Tracker and found one taster claimed the Justice vines are young and that the wine should drink well early. Your take on this?

[Jenise]

Domaine Serene is also making a vineyard designate from this vineyard (which they said was 12 miles south of Dundee near the Eola Hills, and a warmer climate) which I tasted recently at the winery. Was whichever vintage they're pouring now, not sure which. Anyway, even with the difference in styles with St. Innocent typically more extracted, your description matches what I remember about Serene's. Lovely wine, though a bit ridiculous at $75.

After reading yours I checked out the other St. I Justice TNs on Cellar Tracker and found one taster claimed the Justice vines are young and that the wine should drink well early. Your take on this?

Yes these are young vines. Not sure what leaf but this is only the 2nd vintage with wine being produced. I think the 04 a 05 will drink well young. I think the will age well but I don't know if they will become more complex ... just different. I do think the vineyard has really nice potential.

Jason

Jason, thanks for the notes. I have a bottle of that wine and look forward to comparing notes. Anyone have experience with the 2005 Shea from St. Innocent? I have one of those as well.

Yes these are young vines. Not sure what leaf but this is

My friend Dietz dug up the info ... 4th leaf. Very young...well by todays standards ... maybe not. On another wine board many jokers talk about vineyards in their 4th leaf as Grand Crus ...

Jason

Jason, thanks for the notes. I have a bottle of that wine and look forward to comparing notes. Anyone have experience with the 2005 Shea from St. Innocent? I have one of those as well.

I will drink one of my Sheas before the year is out. I'll post some notes. I personally think the SI Sheas drink well young to middle aged. But with just one bottle it may be worth it to wait a few years.

Jason