2018 Walter Scott Pinot Noir Sojeau Vineyard

Previously known as Sojourner Vineyard,  planted by Denny and Thelma Peseau. It sits on the southern end of the Eola-Amity Hills, facing south-west towards the Van Duzer Corridor . At 650 ft in elevation, the site overlooks the valley and surrounding farmlands from its perch on the steep hill. This makes Sojeau one of their coolest sites, thanks to the intense coastal winds. The 15-acre block of Pinot Noir is divided into two blocks from which Walter Scott get 20 rows in a cross-section, allowing them 'to share the full potential of Sojeau’s clonal depth and soil diversity'. Fermented with ambient yeast, a ged in 228-litre barrels for 15 months. 35% new oak. Unfined and unfiltered. 450 cases produced. A little deeper in colour than the Seven Springs 2018. Rich in both red and black fruit, the aroma deeper and less playful than on the Seven Springs, darker than the Cuvée Ruth. It’s more savoury too, with a touch of tobacco. The acidity seems closer to that of the Cuvée Ruth and less noticeable than on the Seven Springs, though it might be hidden by the fruit, and there’s a little less tension than on the Seven Springs. Richer and more rounded overall, with some oak sweetness to round out the finish. Tannins seem thicker here than on the Seven Springs but not as chewy on the finish as the Cuvée Ruth, which seems – counterintuitively given the pricing – less approachable now than this wine but maybe this is just better integration with the fruit. It becomes more floral as it opens and the texture on the finish is more stony than grippy, a bit like the texture (not the flavour) of dark chocolate, leaving your mouth clean and dry. There’s power here, a sweet/sour intensity in the fruit character but with a long savoury and dry finish. A complete wine. (JH)

Vivid ruby-red. Powerful red berry liqueur, potpourri, spicecake and incense aromas show outstanding clarity, and a smoky mineral nuance builds in the glass. Concentrated yet lively black raspberry, bitter cherry, mocha and floral pastille flavors turn sweeter as the wine opens up. Gains weight with air and finishes bright, gently tannic and extremely long, delivering resonating spice and floral notes. This vineyard was formerly called "Sojourner." 35% new oak.