St Innocent Pinot Gris Vitae Springs Vineyard 2012
"Vitae Springs Vineyard established in 1986 and expanded in 1999, is located in the rolling hills five miles south of Salem, Oregon. The grapes come from two blocks. The original planting is at the base of the Home Block on a warm south-facing slope of well-drained Jory clay at an average elevation of 600’. The more recent Inwood Block is planted on a steeper hillside on thinner, volcanic Nekia soil running from 600-760’.
In order to get the concentration and textures in the wine, we limit the yield by thinning to achieve a crop of about 2.7 tons per acre. This compares to an average Alsace and Oregon yield of 5 tons per acre. This allows us to pick fully ripe fruit with a level of intensity not possible at higher crop levels.
This Pinot gris is produced in an Alsatian style to bring out ripe fruit and spice flavors without the influence of barrel aging. After whole cluster pressing and settling, the must was tank fermented, aged for eight months on the lees, and lightly filtered before bottling.
The 2012 Pinot gris has concentrated ground spice notes and a bit of chili pepper-like heat along with pear, apple, melon, and hints of orange peel aromas. A core of minerality backs apple, pear, and melon flavors. Its fresh acidity and fruit is balanced with spice and minerals. Completely dry, it is both textural and persistent in the mouth." -Supplier notes