2018 St. Innocent Pinot Noir 'Shea Vineyard'

100% Pinot Noir from this legendary vineyard 35 miles SW of Portland, Oregon. Fully destemmed, fermented in 4-8 ton stainless steel and oak fermenters with no SO2, allowing the fermentations to proceed naturally. After gentle pressing and settling, the wine aged in French oak barrels, 28% of which were new, for 16 months before bottling by gravity without fining. 13.5% alcohol. Bright, medium ruby color. Dense and exotic flowers, layered with raspberry, dusty and dark aromas that are very typical of Shea. Quite fresh while deep flavors quickly emerge on a concentrated palate of dense dark red fruit, dried flowers and earth. This an early snapshot of a very complex wine that will emerge over months to decades of aging. The finish has a rich density while fresh fruit persists. This is a vintage with balanced concentration and lovely clarity.

96 points, Vinepair. "Prepare yourself. This wine is absolutely out of this world. It defines the best of this wine region (sub-AVAs included). I feel like this is what winemakers saw in the 60s when they were planting this grape even though others said don’t even try. Its soft depth of fruit will make you swoon. The fleshiness will coat your palate as the slight tannic grip releases. It’s a tough one to write about, you just need to try it.”