2008 Shea Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard Block 31

The 2008 Pinot Noir Block 31 is more deeply colored. It sports a brooding bouquet of spicy black fruits, earth notes, Asian spices, black cherry and blueberry. Mouth-coating, dense, rich, and loaded with flavor, it contains enough underlying structure to evolve for a minimum of 4-5 years. There is a strong chance that this powerful yet elegant Pinot will see its 20th birthday in fine form. Dick Shea has more than 20 clients for the fruit he grows at his large Yamhill-Carlton estate, most of whom vineyard designate the resulting wine. More often than not, it is the best wine in their respective portfolios and the one that sells out the most quickly. Currently Shea retains 25% of the fruit to go under the winery label. The wines are made by the talented Drew Voit with the vineyards managed by Javier Marin. Tel. (503) 241-6527; www.sheawinecellars.com