2009 Sonría Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 180 cases, $60, released January 29, 2011. Keith and Stacy Emerson named their label Sonría after their daughter Aubrey’s smile. Sonría is derived from the Spanish verb Sonreír which means, “To smile.” Keith is a graduate of U.C. Davis, the Director of Winemaking at Vineyard 29 and its custom crush clientele, and Stacey is a 10-year veteran of the wine industry with a focus on marketing. This wine is made from Pommard and Wädenswil clones, processed at Vineyard 29 in St. Helena. Aged 11 months in 50% new and 50% once-used French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The aromatics are nicely fruited with appealing complimentary scents of spice, dried roses and a hint of spearmint. A hearty layered core of blackberry, black raspberry and cherry fruit impresses the mid palate and lingers aromatically on the finish that has a slight confected note. The oak is well integrated, an attractive spiciness prevails, and the mouth feel is dreamy. Still sporting ripe, firm tannins that will benefit from a year or two in the cellar. This wine will fortify the already admirable reputation of Shea Vineyard. Very Good. Reviewed April 11, 2011

Winery: Sonría Wines
From article: Noiregon: First Look at 09s and Late Release 08s