Comprised of sedimentary soils and known for producing wines of great structure and intensity, Shea Vineyard is arguably the most well known vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton District and perhaps the entire northern Willamette Valley. Having made Shea Vineyard Pinot Noirs out of multiple blocks on the site during my tenure at Beaux Frères, I was eager to have the opportunity to continue exploring what has been hailed as an “Oregon Grand Cru”. My Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir is sourced from a 1.57 acre section of block 25, located on the far western edge of Shea’s west hill. This early ripening block is planted to the Wadensvil clone of Pinot Noir and farmed sustainably by Vineyard Manager Jesus Marin.

In the heart of the Dundee Hills, in deep volcanic Jory soils lies the Weber Vineyard. Sourcing from the top acre of  Block 8, located squarely in the middle of Weber’s eastern facing slope, this parcel of 28-year old own rooted Pommard is meticulously farmed by Vineyard Manager Andy Humphrey. Known for producing elegantly structured wines with compelling higher register aromatics, I am excited to be working with this pioneering site beginning with the 2012 vintage.