Introduction:
The 2019 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard is a distinguished red wine from the Yamhill-Carlton District within Oregon's Willamette Valley. Crafted by St. Innocent Winery, this wine exemplifies the unique terroir of the renowned Shea Vineyard, known for producing Pinot Noir with depth and complexity.

Terroir:
Shea Vineyard is located 35 miles southwest of Portland, Oregon, within the Yamhill-Carlton District AVA. The grapes for this wine are sourced from two specific blocks: Block 6, planted in 1998 with Dijon clone 115 and a small amount of Pommard, situated on a southeast-facing slope at elevations between 450 to 500 feet; and the Terrace Block, a steep southwest-facing slope planted in 2002 with the Pommard clone. The shallow sedimentary soils and varied exposures contribute to the vineyard's distinctive character.

Appearance:
Deep ruby red with garnet hues, indicating its depth and potential for aging.

Nose:
Aromas of dried flowers, berry, and sweet earth are complemented by notes of allspice and white pepper, creating an inviting and complex bouquet.

Palate:
The palate is vibrant and balanced, featuring flavors of wild berries, fresh cranberry, and dried strawberry intertwined with ground sweet spices. The wine exhibits a harmonious blend of fruit and spice, leading to a well-structured and layered profile.

Finish:
A long, layered finish with lingering notes of dark fruit and subtle spice, showcasing the wine's balance and sophistication.

Overall Impression:
The 2019 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard exemplifies the elegance and complexity characteristic of wines from this esteemed vineyard. Its harmonious balance of fruit, spice, and acidity makes it an excellent companion to dishes such as lamb chops, pork tenderloin, duck breast, or lentil-based recipes.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: St. Innocent Winery
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Oregon
Appellation: Yamhill-Carlton District, Willamette Valley
Vineyard: Shea Vineyard
Grape Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2019
Wine Style: Dry, Medium-Bodied Red
Winemaking Techniques: The de-stemmed grapes were fermented in 4-8 ton stainless steel and oak fermenters without the addition of sulfur dioxide, allowing natural fermentation. After gentle pressing and settling, the wine aged in French oak barrels, 26% of which were new, for 16 months before being bottled by gravity without fining.
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork