2008 Pali Wine Co. Shea Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 250 cases, $44, screw cap. Clones 114, 777 and Pommard. Aged 16 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish color. Interesting aromas of black cherries, truffles, lavender and brewed tea. Tight and restrained in the mouth yet some lovely spiced fruit lingers in the background enhanced with an appealing earthiness and meatiness. The fruit is enrobed in prodigious tannins. Hard to get close to at first but noticeably better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A cellar candidate. Very good. Reviewed July 15, 2010

Winery: Pali Wine Co.
From article: Pali Wine Co.: Manages an Ambitiously Diverse Portfolio