Witness Tree Claim 51 Pinot noir 08

Review:

Avalon's Andy Osterhaus on the Claim 51:

Summer camp, golf camp, band camp – they have nothing on Pinot Camp. Three days in Oregon Wine Country, immersed in all things Oregon Pinot. I was lucky enough to go this summer (you have to be invited, and part of the wine industry).

Through all the delicious Pinot I tasted – we’re talking hundreds – one special Pinot stood out above the rest: 2008 Witness Tree Claim #51. There were a lot of big personalities at Pinot Camp and wading through some of the pomp revealed the Leonard Cohen of Pinot noir. A deep, dark, classy feel that will only get better with a little age.

Claim 51 is made from 2 blocks (about an acre) of the upper vineyard which looks down over the winery. Full and finished from splash to swallow. Wonderfully smooth red fruit with a lasting grip which had me proclaiming ‘hallelujah’ in want for a second taste, immediately after the first. Everybody won’t know about this wine but they should. - Andy

Winemaker Steven Westby describes the wine as having "a dark berry and cherry fruit center with earthy structure and grip."

Made for cellaring, the 2008 has the balance and complexity to drink well now with decanting and to cellar for 5-10 years.

Less than 100 cases made.