2009 Dijon Clones Pinot Noir

Dijon Clones is a blend of Pinot Noir clones representing a collage of vineyard blocks. As with all of our blocks of Pinot Noir, these vines are individually hand harvested at their peak of flavor maturity and intensity. The fruit was fermented in small lots and then matured in French oak barrels from a selection of coopers.
The 2009 Dijon Clones Pinot Noir is a blend of 5 Dijon clones sourced from 7 dry farmed blocks. The barrels of wine crafted from each block are culminations of the soil, rootstock, clonal selections and our unique microclimates.
Much like an individual instrument in a symphony, each barrel contributes its own unique character to the final composition. The individual clonal attributes are presented in the aroma and bouquet. The flavors and textures combine on the palate to provide depth and rich layers of Pinot Noir fruit that are distinctly Oregon.
As is the case with all of our Pinot Noirs, this bottling is 100% Estate grown and hand harvested fruit. The individual blocks were fermented with whole clusters and indigenous yeast from the vineyard. In the cellar, we aged the individual lots in French oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months. The blend is a reflection of our soils, microclimates and stewardship of the land.
The Vintage: The 2009 vintage is revealing exceptionally aromatic and balanced wines. A very temperate growing season provided the typical vineyard events right on schedule. Our degree days came in at a very moderate to cool 2,072. Harvest was leisurely as we had little concern for rains or compromised fruit. Harvest began on October 5th and concluded with the Syrah and Viognier on the 22nd. Please follow this link to learn more about the vintage: http://www.amalierobert.com/Julian_calendar.htm

Tasting Notes: Preserved cherry red alludes to spiced fruit aromas of candied cranberry, Montmorency cherry, red raspberry, quince and cinnamon supported by freshly turned soil and underbrush. The palate integrates our signature Dijon Clones blend of ripe red cherry, cocoa and earth with fine grained stem tannins, and bright acidity providing tension and length. The long finish is a culmination of extended barrel aging and a mélange of tannin, acidity and minerality. Unfined and unfiltered.
Suggested Food Pairings: Rack of pork rubbed with coriander, ginger, five spice then encrusted in whole grain mustard and sprinkled with hot Paprika paired with sweet potatoes fries and garlic sautéed bok choy.
2009 Dijon Clones Accolades
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, July/Aug 2012
Bright red. Sexy, spice-accented aromas of red berry preserves, potpourri and sandalwood, with a touch of cola in the background. Shows very good intensity and sweetness, offering lithe raspberry and cherry flavors and a hint of bitter blood orange. Closes on a spicy note, with excellent clarity and persistent sweetness. 92 points.
2008 Dijon Clones Accolades
Jay Miller - The Wine Advocate, October 2011
The 2008 Pinot Noir Dijon Clones displays an enticing nose of cedar, spice box, violets black cherry, and plum. This sets the stage for a moderately structured, spicy, sweetly fruited wine with good volume and length. Give it 1-2 years to fully blossom and drink it through 2018. 90 points.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, December 2011
Lovely aromas of rose petals and silky fruit, leading into a soft, seductive and expressive wine that definitely sits on the feminine side of Pinot Noir. Following its smooth introduction, the sculpted tannins kick in, adding grip, depth and length. - P.G. (12/1/2011) - 92 points, Top 100 Wine of the year
Northwest Palate Magazine, Sept/Oct 2011 – Highly Recommended
Aromas of dusty earth and red grape skins offer pretty flower blossom notes and a touch of cinnamon. Full-on sweet/tart flavors of raspberry and ripe cranberry are forward and lively on the palate. Accents of minerality, a touch of soap and talc, plus a floral overlay gives the wine dimension. Crisp acids and yielding tannins provide a healthy frame for the fruit. Though the body and texture are light and airy, the flavors are potent, and the wine finishes with echoes of fruit. Serve this with morel couscous and guinea hen.
Josh Raynolds - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, July/Aug 2011
Light, bright red. Seductively perfumed, expressive aromas of dried red berries, allspice and cinnamon, with a slow-mounting floral quality and a hint of blood orange. Light in body but potent, offering sweet redcurrant and raspberry flavors that stain the palate. An intense spicy overtone carries through the nervy, mineral-driven finish. Lots of flavor intensity here but there’s zero fat on this wine. 92 points.

Oregon Wine Awards, May 2011 – Double Gold

2006 Dijon Clones Accolades
Burghound.com, January 2010 – 89 points
Oregon Wine Awards, May 2009 – Gold
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2008 – 89 pts
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2009 – 90 points