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 2010 Dijon Clones Pinot Noir is a
blend of 7 Dijon
clones sourced from 12 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
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: Dark Moroccan
silk red introduces exotic aromas of alspice, cardamom, cinnamon, clove and
Chinese five spice. The wine presents an array of lithe red fruits with an underlying
tilth from stem tannin providing evolving complexity without the burden of
excessive ripeness. The signature Dijon Clones finish is a culmination of
extended barrel aging and a mélange of fine grained stem tannin, acidity and
minerality. Unfined and unfiltered.
Suggested Food Pairings: Roasted rabbit
front quarters, Pancetta and duck stock risotto with fresh Chanterelle, Morel
and Hedgehog mushrooms for a cold winter's eve.
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
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