Bluebird Hill Cellars
Neil and Sue Shay moved to the Willamette Valley in 2010 and found a 6-acre homestead located in the
southwestern coastal foothills in Alpine, west of Monroe, Oregon (southern Willamette Valley). There was a 3-
acre Christmas tree farm on the property originally and it took the Shays three years to fully clear the land in
preparation for planting a vineyard. The site is ideal for winegrowing because its warm hilltop site enjoys gentle
summer breezes with southeastern and western-oriented slopes capturing the sun’s energy. 3 acres are under
vine including Dijon, Pommard and Wädenswil clones planted at high density.
Bluebird Hill Cellars Pinot Noir is handcrafted in small lots and represents very good value. Grapes are
harvested at modest Brix levels and the resulting wines are red and blue fruit driven with good acidity and a
compliment of oak in the background.
The current release of 2019 Pinot Noir wines is available for sale on the website at www.bluebirdcellars.wine.
2019 Bluebird Hill Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., pH 3.78, RS 0, 200 cases, $35. Harvest
Brix 22º. Clones 115 and Pommard (37.5%), 777 (20%), and 667 (5%). Aged in French oak barrels, 20% new.
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Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose leads with appealing aromas of well-spiced cherry,
blueberry and leather. Light to mid-weight in style, driven by red cherry and red berry flavors with a shadow of
oak. An easy, forward drinking wine with a short finish.
Score: 89
2019 Bluebird Hill Cellars Mom’s Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., pH 3.53, RS 0, 200
cases, $54. Harvest Brix 22.1º. 50% Pommard and 25% each 667 and 777. Aged in French oak barrels, 25%
new.
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Moderate garnet color in the glass. Oak-kissed cherry and blueberry aromas lead off. Cherry-driven in a
mid-weight style with a thread of oak. Forward-drinking, with modest tannins, and a decent finish. A satisfying
wine but not epic.
Score: 91
2019 Bluebird Hill Cellars South Block Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., pH 3.68, RS 0, 100 cases, $54.
Harvest Brix 22.0º. 50% 667, 25% each 115 and 777. Aged in
French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the
glass. Aromas of cherry, dried herbs and graham lead to a
middleweight-styled wine featuring red and blue berry fruit
flavors with a touch of spice. Very welcoming with a silky
mouthfeel and a noticeably long finish. The pick of the 2019
vintage litter.
Score: 92
2019 Bluebird Hill Cellars Zenith Vineyard Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.61, RS
0, 100 cases, $54. Harvest Brix 22.2º. 50% Pommard and 50% 777. Aged in French oak barrels, 20% new.
·
Light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, woodpile, and oak spice. A delicate wine with a lighterweighted
gist of cherry fruit. Nicely balanced, with gentle tannins and a modest finish.
Score: 90
