Ancien Pinot Noir 2021, Shea Vineyard, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Ancien Wines produces small lots of handmade wines. Dick Shea planted his first vines in the late 80’s, just a few short years after Ken Bernards moved from his birthplace in the Willamette Valley to Napa to work his first harvest. Today the vines produce a disproportionately large percentage of the most renowned Willamette Pinot Noirs. Good sedimentary soils, sitting on 2 well-drained hillsides, along with sustainable farming practices, routinely yield quality, well-ripened fruit. Shea produces Pinot Noirs with density, structure, and intense, spicy fruit. Earthy, organic aromas. accompanied by a fruit kissed perfume. The rich, tilled earth is peppered with light toasty notes, dried floral perfumes, clover, rose petal and geranium flower. Generous and ripe, the nose shows plenty of huckleberry and wild strawberry. The broad palate is generous with plum and blueberry. – From the Winery