2005 Shea Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard East Hill

The 2005 Pinot Noir “East Hill” is a large-scaled Pinot Noir with a brooding, toasted black cherry and purple plum nose. It exhibits elevated acidity, ripe tannins, and a belt of fruit with enough breadth to provide balance. The flavors are attractively spicy and complex, and the wine should have a long life. Its appeal will always be more intellectual than sensual. The 2006 Shea Pinot Noirs tasted from barrel reflect a totally different style of vintage. They are riper, more fragrant, more alcoholic, softer, and user-friendly. They lack the muscle, acidity, and tannin of 2005 but seem to be significantly better balanced. Dick and Dierdre Shea began planting their 200 acre site in 1989 (140 acres are now planted) and started the winery in 1996. Over the years, some of the most renowned wineries in Oregon and even Manfred Krankl at Sine Qua Non have made Shea Vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs, a testament to the quality of the fruit. As one might expect, with a vineyard of this size, there are numerous exposures and microclimates and the vineyard is planted to a wide variety of clones. Tel. (503) 241-6527; www.sheawinecellars.com