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2010 Top Barrel Syrah

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 19:27:00 GMT

2010 Top Barrel Syrah
Buy Now: $100.00

Top Barrel Syrah is 100% Amalie Robert Estate grown Syrah. Among our 30 acres of Pinot Noir, we have planted 0.80 acres (1,188 vines to be exact) of Syrah. This bottling is from the single best barrel of Syrah from the vintage - The Top Barrel.

We grow Syrah right along side Pinot Noir, and most of the vineyard work is very similar. The primary difference is that we have to wait until November to harvest. We think it is worth the wait.

Syrah is a very adaptive variety, and much like Pinot Noir, reflects its growing conditions. Syrah is grown in the hottest parts of the southern Hemisphere where it is known as "Shiraz" and a bit farther south into the cool climate of New Zealand as well. The entire west coast of the United States grows Syrah from California, to the warm areas of eastern Washington and now very small plantings in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

However, the birthplace of Syrah seems to be the Northern Rhône Valley. Recent DNA research shows Syrah to be a cross between Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. Both of these varieties are indigenous to France. Syrah is planted from the cool regions of the Northern Rhône where it is bottled as a single varietal, to the tip of the Southern Rhône where it is often blended with other varietals.

The Vintage: The 2010 growing season was another welcome cool climate vintage. The finished wines reflect the full aroma and flavor development of our picture perfect October weather. The season's 1,722 degree days are represented in the lower alcohol levels for 2010. You can read the full vintage update and our harvest "After Action Report" on our website at this link: http://www.amalierobert.com/2010_julian_calendar.htm

Tasting Notes: Romulan red taunts smoked duck bacon, black olive, Cuban tobacco, minerals, tar, incense and freshly tilled earth. Palate staining dark fruits permeate the ever changing and remarkably suave weight and texture. The palate is then subjugated to the kaleidoscope finish of deeply intentioned cool climate syrah, racing acidity, evolved stem tannin and a lot more than a little attitude. 24 cases produced.

Suggested food pairings: Bacon wrapped Buffalo Filet Mignon seared to perfection and finished with fresh Rosemary. Pair with strong cheeses and weak knees.

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2010 The Reserve Pinot Noir

Tue, 2 Sep 2014 09:45:00 GMT

2010 The Reserve Pinot Noir
Buy Now: $100.00

The Reserve is an exclusive 47 case selection of Pinot Noir representing our most intriguing wine in the cellar. The final blend represents countless hours of tasting wine from barrel. Only with such in-depth knowledge of our subject, were we able to select these 2 barrels of Pinot Noir.

Every block of Pinot Noir within our 30 acre vineyard is individually hand harvested at its peak of flavor maturity and intensity. Block by block, the fruit is fermented in small 1.5 ton lots and matured for over 18 months in French oak barrels.

Every vineyard block and clone/rootstock combination showcases something unique and special from the vineyard. After fermentation is complete, the wine is placed into a selection of barrels to mature. We source French oak barrels from several coopers. The wine takes a different path to maturity in each barrel, developing its own nuances.

We taste all of our barrels of wine many times throughout the year. We experience the evolution of flavors and aromas and remember the significant events in our vineyard. The excitement of an early bloom, the mystery of a very light fruit set, the discovery of color change at veraison, and the rapture of harvest. Tasting each barrel of wine provides us a snapshot in time. We experience the wine’s development.

As we taste through the cellar, we make mental notes on each barrel. By the time we begin blending trials, we each have a pretty intimate idea of our favorite barrels. Dena will usually lay claim to a few barrels, and Ernie knows to leave those for last. Ernie includes these barrel samples as well as his favorites in the blending trials. This wine is a 47 case blend from our two favorite barrels.

The Vintage: The 2010 growing season was another welcome cool climate vintage. The finished wines reflect the full aroma and flavor development of our picture perfect October weather. The season’s 1,722 degree days are represented in the lower alcohol levels for 2010. You can read the full vintage update and our harvest “After Action Report” on our website at this link: http://www.amalierobert.com/2010_julian_calendar.htm

Tasting Notes: Romance red with a velvet sash beckons you into the arena. Aromas of fresh grated cinnamon stick and cardamom are entwined with sweet, ripe Flathead cherries and strawberry jelly. While initially suave on the palate, you suddenly realize the Tango has begun. Pure elegance and finesse are submissive to whole cluster stem tannin textures and dominate acidity; and not gently like before. Azimuth to Zenith, all are aligned, the lingering afterglow reinforcing a timeless interpretation of Pinot Noir. Who doesn’t want that!?

Suggested Food Pairings: Seared duck breast served along side confit of duck leg with roasted sweet onions and sautéed wild mushrooms tossed in freshly made pappardelle pasta sprinkled with Hot Hungarian Paprika; SWAK (Served With A Kiss.)

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2010 Dijon Clones Pinot Noir

Sun, 30 Mar 2014 08:28:00 GMT

2010 Dijon Clones Pinot Noir
Buy Now: $40.00

Dijon Clones is a blend ofPinot Noir clones representing a collage of vineyard blocks. As with all of ourblocks of Pinot Noir, these vines are individually hand harvested at their peakof flavor maturity and intensity. The fruit was fermented in small lots andthen matured in French oak barrels from a selection of coopers.

The 2010 Dijon Clones Pinot Noir is ablend of 7 Dijonclones sourced from 12 dry farmed blocks. The barrels of wine crafted from eachblock are culminations of the soil, rootstock, clonal selections and our uniquemicroclimates.

Much like an individual instrument in asymphony, each barrel contributes its own unique character to the finalcomposition. The individual clonal attributes are presented in the aroma andbouquet. The flavors and textures combine on the palate to provide depth andrich layers of Pinot Noir fruit that are distinctly Oregon.

As is the case withall of our Pinot Noirs, this bottling is 100% Estate grown and hand harvestedfruit. The individual blocks were fermented with whole clusters and indigenousyeast from the vineyard. In the cellar, we aged the individual lots in Frenchoak barrels for a minimum of 12 months. The blend is a reflection of our soils,microclimates and stewardship of the land.

The Vintage: The2010 growing season was another welcome cool climate vintage. The finishedwines reflect the full aroma and flavor development of our picture perfectOctober weather. The season's 1,722 degree days are represented in the loweralcohol levels for 2010. You can read the full vintage update and our harvest"After Action Report" on our website at this link: http://www.amalierobert.com/2010_julian_calendar.htm

Tasting Notes: Dark Moroccansilk red introduces exotic aromas of alspice, cardamom, cinnamon, clove andChinese five spice. The wine presents an array of lithe red fruits with an underlyingtilth from stem tannin providing evolving complexity without the burden ofexcessive ripeness. The signature Dijon Clones finish is a culmination ofextended barrel aging and a mélange of fine grained stem tannin, acidity andminerality. Unfined and unfiltered.

Suggested Food Pairings: Roasted rabbitfront quarters, Pancetta and duck stock risotto with fresh Chanterelle, Moreland Hedgehog mushrooms for a cold winter's eve.

2009 Dijon Clones Accolades

Stephen Tanzer's International WineCellar, July/Aug 2012

Bright red. Sexy, spice-accented aromasof red berry preserves, potpourri and sandalwood, with a touch of cola in thebackground. Shows very good intensity and sweetness, offering lithe raspberryand cherry flavors and a hint of bitter blood orange. Closes on a spicy note, withexcellent clarity and persistent sweetness. 92 points.

2008 Dijon Clones Accolades

JayMiller - The Wine Advocate, October 2011

The 2008 Pinot Noir Dijon Clonesdisplays an enticing nose of cedar, spice box, violets black cherry, and plum.This sets the stage for a moderately structured, spicy, sweetly fruited winewith good volume and length. Give it 1-2 years to fully blossom and drink itthrough 2018. 90 points.

WineEnthusiast Magazine, December 2011

Lovely aromas of rose petals and silkyfruit, leading into a soft, seductive and expressive wine that definitely sitson the feminine side of Pinot Noir. Following its smooth introduction, thesculpted 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/Oct2011 - Highly Recommended

Josh Raynolds - Stephen Tanzer'sInternational Wine Cellar, July/Aug 2011

Light, bright red. Seductivelyperfumed, expressive aromas of dried red berries, allspice and cinnamon, with aslow-mounting floral quality and a hint of blood orange. Light in body butpotent, 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 WineCellar, May/June 2008 - 89 pts

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September2009 - 90 points

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2010 Amalie's Cuvee Pinot Noir

Tue, 4 Feb 2014 16:10:00 GMT

2010 Amalie's Cuvee Pinot Noir
Buy Now: $50.00

Amalie’s Cuvée is an exclusive barrel selection of Pinot Noir representing the unique qualities of our vineyard. Every block within our 30 acre vineyard is individually hand harvested at its peak of flavor maturity and intensity. Block by block, the fruit is fermented by indigenous yeast in small 1.5 ton lots and matured for over 18 months in French oak barrels.

Every vineyard block and clone/rootstock combination showcases something unique and special from the vineyard. After fermentation is complete, the wine is placed into a selection of barrels to mature. We source French oak barrels from several coopers. The wine takes a different path to maturity in each barrel, developing its own nuances. Our use of whole clusters in each fermentation provides a continuously evolving tasting experience.

We taste all of our barrels of wine many times throughout the year. We experience the evolution of flavors and aromas and remember the significant events in our vineyard. The excitement of an early bloom, the mystery of a very light fruit set, the discovery of color change at veraison and the rapture of harvest. Tasting each barrel of wine provides us a snapshot in time. We experience the wine’s development.

Again this year, we selected the barrels of wine that offered supple elegance and presence. After repeated trials, a very special and familiar blend began to emerge. From year to year, we strive to reveal the elegance and grace of Oregon Pinot Noir. Amalie’s Cuvée is this blend.

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