Prior Vintage notes:
Deep ruby red in color, the 2005 Premier Cuvee opens with lifted aromas of red berries, violets, vanilla and a hint of savory spice. Black cherry, currant, pomegranate and blueberry notes mingle on the palate with mulling spices, anise and clean earth. The wine is precocious and bright with layers of mineral, flint and spice surrounding a seductive black cherry core. There is balance and good concentration here; tannins are rich but restrained, revealing a wine with depth of flavor and clean lines. Elegant and focused, this wine is ready for enjoyment now, however may improve with proper cellaring over the next five to eight years.
Detailed Info, Previous Vintage Notes, Reviews:
Prior Vintage Notes
From the winery: "Deep and inky red in color, this wine opens with aromas of dark chocolate, ripe blackberry, black plum and earth. The broad palate is layered with flavors reminiscent of lingonberry, black caps, rose hips, cocoa, mineral and meat. The palate is pronounced with velvety and supple tannins which give weight and density to this distinctive wine. The finish is long and persists with hints of spiced plum and clean earth. This elegant, balanced wine is ready to be enjoyed now or may be cellared for five to eight years."Excellent "entry level" from Archery, fellar 6-8 years or enjoy earliest of all Archery releases.
Cole Danehower says:"Nice crimson-colored core with watery pink edges. Mellow, very soft vanilla biscuit edge to the aromas with a nice earthy foundation-and a slight stem/herb note. Tastes of soft violet with a flower-petal soft texture. Sweet dark red fruits and big tannins on the mid palate, though it softens somewhat into a deliciously sweet cherry and toasty oak finish.-C.D."
The Winery Says: ORIGIN: Our search for the best vineyard sites to produce distinguished Pinot Noir led us to the North Willamette Valley, Specifically the Red Hills of Dundee. Our steep hillside vineyards are densely planted with Dijon clones, between 2,100 and 4,800 vines per acre. Our 2000 Premier Cuv?e is from mature vines grown in our four single estate vineyards; Red Hills Estate, Arcus Estate, Renegade Ridge Estate, and Archery Summit Estate.
VINEYARD: We harvested by hand and craft the blend from our narrowly spaced estate vineyards planted in Jory soil with southern exposure. We planted Dijon clones 113, 114, 115, 667 and 777 on selected rootstock in high-density vineyard blocks to complement our older self-rooted Pommard and W?denswil vines. This blend is from our best blocks and most mature vines in our vineyards. In 2000, Mother Nature gave us relatively few clusters with small berries, and the perfect ripening weather encouraged extended hang time allowing concentration of ripeness and thicker skins.
