Vitae Springs Pinot noir

Oregon Pinot experts will recognize the Vitae Springs Vineyard as a source of Pinot Gris grapes for rockstar winery St. Innocent. The owners grow delicious Pinot Noir as well, and have begun to bottle it under their own name. Vitae Springs Vineyard, established in 1986, is located in the rolling hills five miles south of Salem, Oregon. The grapes are grown on a warm south slope of well-drained Jory clay at an average elevation of 400'.

In the nose, fresh blackberry aromas combine with delicate incense and floral notes. The VS Pinot is quite forward, with nice concentration and sweetness on the mid palate and juicy blackberry and cherry. Yummy but elegant, the Vitae Springs Pinot finishes with soft tannins, mild spice and loads of fruit layers...and keeps going. An excellent value. -marcus