Twelve wines are single vineyard designates with custom theme labels that change annually. (Photo by Geolink Wine.) |
Twelve wines are single vineyard designates with custom theme labels that change annually. (Photo by Geolink Wine.) |
Availability:
Where available in Humboldt: 2005 Pinot Blanc 2006 Pinot Noir
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Twelve
Gaston, Oregon
Twelve wines are a limited release single vineyard designate from Fir Crest Vineyards in the Yamhill-Carlton appellation in the northern Willamette Valley. The vineyard contains 11 acres of Pinot Noir Wadenswill, Pommard and Dijon 115 and 2 acres of Pinot Blanc. Vines range in age from 5 to 20 years. Soils have been classified as Willakenzie, deep silty clay loams that are one of the top two soil types in Oregon wine country by acres planted. This family grown and produced label offers Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc with a total annual production of about 800 cases. The Pinot Blanc contains 0.75 residual sugar and was cool fermented in stainless steel for six months. A lively and tropical aroma rises from the glass reminiscent of guava. The wine is light and delicate in the mouth with flavors of wet slate, melon, and light citrus. The 2005 Pinot Noir '144' is their first release of a reserve wine that came out of their favorite 5 barrels and aged for 11 months in 30% new oak. The 2006 Pinot Noir spent 11 months in 30% new oak. A lively nose of deep cherry and berry carry through to the palate which also exhibits a backbone suggestive of caramel and a hint of chocolate and earth essence.
The soil at Monks Gate is derived from sedimentary bedrock. It is so thoroughly weathered that there are no rocks to be found in the vineyard. The result is a deep silty clay loam knoen as Willakenzie soil. This is one of the two dominant soil types in Oregon wine country known for producing high quality Pinot Noir. (Photo by Geolink Wine.)
Fir Crest vineyards contain 13 acres of Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc 5 to 20 years old. Soils are classified as Willakenzie. (Photo courtesy Twelvewines.com)
