St. Innocent 'Momtazi Vineyard' - Pinot Noir

2018

Pinot Noir

McMinnville, Oregon

St. Innocent was born in a moment of passion and inspiration in 1983. For the next five years, winemaker Mark Vlossak studied, took classes, and apprenticed with Oregon wine pioneer, Fred Arterberry before founding St. Innocent Winery in 1988. Their aim is a perfect marriage of the quality and tradition of the Old World with one of the most exciting, up-and-coming wine growing regions on the planet: Oregon's Willamette Valley. Willamette Valley, with its many varied soil types, aspects and microclimates, is known for single-vineyard bottlings that reflect these differences in terroir that may seem small but have a significant impact on the resulting wine, particularly with grapes like Pinot Noir. The prestigious Momtazi Vineyard sits is certified biodynamic, meaning that not only are the vines free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, but are tended to with a focus on sustainability, a strong sense of stewardship, attention to all aspects of the environment and a belief that the land and all of the life that exists upon it are intimately connected. Vlossak’s take on the fruit from this esteemed parcel of land is stunning. Richly textured with velvety tannins and deep, concentrated flavors of dark cherry, dried blackberries, blueberries, smoky clove and dried tobacco, this wine is complex and intriguing, with new aromas unfolding as it opens in the glass. Enjoyable now with several more years of potential ahead.