2018 Shea West Hill
One of Oregon’s most iconic vineyards, Shea is planted over two separate and very distinct slopes. The earliest plantings were on West Hill, a vineyard of mostly soft, rolling contours with one notable exception: The Ravine. Jarringly steep with thin soils and lined with fir trees, the vineyard is an exceptional landscape producing wines in vibrant contrast to other parcels of Shea, full of heady aromatics, floral perfume, and rich texture.
The 2018 Shea West Hill had approximately 40% of the fruit fermented in barrels with 20% whole clusters, building both structure and texture, then aged for 16 months in 30% new French oak barrels. Pretty and elegant, it shows bright red cherries, orange peel and exotic aromas of rose petal and violets. The palate manages richness and elegance, with silky tannins and a long, polished finish. This will continue to unfurl over the next 5-10 years.
85 Cases produced.
94 Pts. "Lots of toasted spices, violets, earthy herbs, honeycomb, and red plum and darker cherry fruits emerge from the 2018 Pinot Noir Shea West Hill The Ravine, and it's medium-bodied, with an elegant, seamless mouthfeel, ripe, nicely integrated tannins, and a wonderful finish. It's another gorgeous wine in the lineup that's all about complexity, balance, and nuance. Seeing 20% stems and 30% new barrels, it should keep nicely for 8-10 years with no issues, even if it's terrific today."
— Jeb Dunnuck
Full Specifications
- Alcohol %: 13.5
- Vintage: 2018
- Varietal: Pinot Noir
- Appellation: Yamhill-Carlton
- Vineyard: Shea West Hill
- Clone: Heritage Clones
- Cases Produced: 85