2019 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. Lined with fir trees and jarringly steep, the thin soils create an exceptional landscape that produces wines in vibrant contrast to other parcels of Shea, full of heady aromatics, floral perfume, and rich texture.
The elegant belle to its brooding East Hill brother, the 2019 Shea West Hill is delightfully charming. It shows loads of bright red fruit, blood orange, cranberry relish, and exotic perfume of rose petals, violets, and lilacs. The palate caresses with plush richness and bright acidity, supported by silky tannins and just enough minerality to keep things intriguing. While this undoubtedly continues to unfurl in the cellar, it’s hard to imagine a prettier picture than what it’s showing right now.
100% Pinot Noir, Single Vineyard Production, Shea Vineyard
Winemaking:
Open Top Fermentation
33% Whole Cluster Fermentation
25% New French Oak
Aged 16 Months
94 pts. James Suckling
Cherry and strawberry aromas with some perfumed flowers follow through to a medium body with integrated tannins and a crushed-stone and lightly savory finish. Drink after 2024.
Full Specifications
- Alcohol %: 13.4
- Vintage: 2019
- Varietal: Pinot Noir
- Appellation: Yamhill-Carlton
- Vineyard: Shea West Hill
- Clone: Wädenswil 1A
- Cases Produced: 70
