This
label hearkens to the spirit
of the original sharecropping
ideal of a partnership between
landowners and the laborers
who toiled producing the crops.Third
year in a row, David has not
raised the price.
The
2006's nose amalgamates gentle
sweet spice and fresh berry
and cherry notes, with a hint
of strawberry in the mix.
"Fresh" is a word
that comes to mind a lot when
experiencing the scents and
flavors of the 2006 Sharecroppers.
Flavors
of red raspberry and red cherry
intermingle with hints of
cinnamon, nutmeg, and white
pepper. They overlay a base
of soft tannins and racy acidity.
With its well structured fruit/tannin/acid
balance, this wine should
drink well for at least three
years.
Quite
a deal, comparable to other,
pricier Pinots. Always sells
out quickly, only offered
in Oregon or via the web.
Detailed Info, Previous Vintage Notes, Reviews:
Previous Vintage Tasting notes2005 Vintage Tasting Notes
Big aromatics, well balanced sweet red fruit, good acidity, and well integrated tannins. A wonderful value. This label hearkens to the spirit of the original sharecropping ideal of a partnership between landowners and the laborers who toiled producing the crops.
The 2005's nose is intense, with violets, lavender, red raspberry, blackberry cobbler, and red cherry present. Flavors are of red raspberry and cherry, lots of soft sweet spice notes, and an ethereal puff of violet perfume hinted at in the finish. It's refreshing, silky, supple, and expansive, opening in the mouth to show layers and layers of fruit, spice, herbal notes, and pepper.
Uplifting, refreshing acidity and balanced tannins make this wine great now, but ageable. Quite a deal, we couldn't help but compare it to other, higher end Pinots and find it really just about as good, at a really reasonable price. -jy
David O'Reilly of Owen Roe was approached by the owner of Kalita Vineyard when a glut of grapes and a slow economy made it hard for him to sell his crop. David partnered with him to produce the wine, and to reduce costs, the vineyard provides the fruit, David makes it, and the vineyard is paid when the wine sells. In this way, David was able to make a wine at a price that is considerably below equivalent offerings in price.
This beautifully maintained vineyard (Kevin Chambers is vineyard manager) produces Pinot noir on Willakenzie soil, growing the 114, 115, and 777 clones.
2004 Vintage Tasting Notes
David says: "We decided to put some excess first rate fruit into neutral barrels and essentially split the profits with the vineyards. This label hearkens to the spirit of the original sharecropping ideal of a partnership between landowners and the laborers who toiled producing the crops. Very rich and forward, we really could have sold this for twice the price."
"This is a wine for those who like very rich Pinot Noirs! The 2004 vintage in the Willamette Valley yielded some of the smallest crops to date and as a result the wines from '04 are very ripe and forward."
