By Blakeslee Vineyard Estate
2016 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir

Vineyard and Soil
Formerly known as Quail Hill Vineyard, this highly regarded estate was purchased by Bill and Sheila Blakeslee in 2005. The Blakeslee Vineyard Estate has been producing top-quality Pinot Noir fruit for over 18 years. The vines are planted in Laurelwood soil (a powdery volcanic soil) atop a hard clay subsoil. The combination of soils, along with the Dijon 115, Dijon 777, and Pommard clones of Pinot Noir, as well as our expert vineyard management, results in a unique and distinctive wine.

Vintage Notes
Overall, the timing of the 2016 growing season was typical for Oregon with mid-April bud break and early June bloom. There was a normal to hot growing season, which allowed the fruit to ripen nicely to the desired Brix of 24. The harvest date was September 24th, 2016.

Vinification and Aging
After harvesting, 75% of the grapes were destemmed, crushed, and cold-soaked for 7-10 days for color extraction, and 25% whole cluster was fermented in-tank until desired dryness for alcohol. The wine was placed in 35% new French oak and 65% neutral French oak barrels for 11 months of aging.

Description
The Blakeslee Estate Reserve Pinot Noir released from Blakeslee Vineyard Estate is 100% Estate Pinot Noir - 35% Pommard, 50% Dijon 115, and 15% Dijon 777. Medium-bodied and very fruit-forward, with notes of soil, mushroom, green moss, and mustard seed on the nose. Plum preserves, black cherry, and wet leather enhance the palate. The elegant tannins and balanced acidity linger on a medium finish offering a delightful goodbye. It is to be enjoyed with food or on its own, now through 2025.

Technical Notes
Proprietors: Bill and Sheila Blakeslee
Grape Varietals: 100% Estate Pinot Noir
Appellation/Region: Chehalem Mountains Winegrowers AVA
Winemaker: Jim Sanders
Bottling Date: September 9th, 2017
Alcohol: 13.80%
pH: 3.6
TA: 4.8 g/l
Residual Sugar: 0 g/l
Release Date: June of 2018
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

BLAKESLEE ESTATE VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR WILLAMETTE VALLEY CHEHALEM MOUNTAINS RESERVE 2016
Friday, November 30, 2018
Country: United States
Region: Oregon
Vintage: 2016
Score: 92
This has aromas of wild roasting herbs and ripe red fruit that lead to a smooth, bright and crisp palate that offers crunchy, red cherry and raspberry flavors with a juicy, fresh resolve. Drink now.