2010 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir

Pommard Clone is a 2 barrel selection of Estate grown Pommard clone Pinot Noir.

The pioneers who began planting Pinot Noir in the North Willamette Valley began primarily with 2 clones of Pinot Noir – Pommard (French, of course) and Wadenswil (Swiss.) As the vines matured, high quality wines from both clones were grown in the valley, but the Pommard clone was gaining widespread acclaim and notoriety.

There is a very good reason the pommard clone was catching on. The Pommard clone represents all that is inherently beautiful in Pinot Noir. It is grown on all types of soils and is unique in its ability to reflect vineyard specific splendor, nuances and vintage conditions. While the eyes are the window into the soul, the Pommard clone expresses the inherent beauty of our vineyard through the lens of the vintage.

As the wine maturates in barrel, we are continually “thieving” and evaluating each barrel. While written records are very important, especially as we age, our mental and physical impression of each wine drives us. As each sample is tasted and re-tasted, we begin to better understand what each blend represents and the promise it holds for future development.

While The Reserve is a blend of our very favorite barrels from the vintage, the Pommard clone blend represents our very best expression of vintage and vigneron.

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 18 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: Burmese Ruby red opens for Montmorency cherry, cinnamon, sandalwood and crushed fresh red raspberries. Lithe and elegant on the palate providing red fruits interleaved with teasing acidity while entertaining invigorating tannins. A lengthy, yet weightless finish lingers with intent. Unfined and unfiltered. 45 cases produced.

Suggested Food Pairings: Cedar plank roasted white Chinook salmon finished with Hungarian smoked paprika and toasted black sesame seeds alongside German potato pancakes and steamed artichoke with garlic aioli.