2003 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Yamhill County (10/14/2008)
Compared to the 7 springs, this is showing cleaner, less oaked aromatics. Not as hard hitting as the 7 Springs. The mid palate is rather round, followed by some finishing heat. The fruit is showing nicely and the finish is long but again I am not overly intrigued by the wine. The finish gained some length on the second day but I am not sure where this is going. (86 pts.)
2003 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Seven Springs - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (10/14/2008)
Ahhh…I wish I had drank all my 2003s right after I received them. At times this wine intrigued me but at other times, it irritated me. Dark aromatics. Oak is near the front. Smells more like CdP. The flavors are big and ripe. It is not heavy. In fact it is thin on the finish. Heat is present. On the second day things were more interesting and the wine showed more balance. The finish is clipped by tannin. Hmmm… maybe it will come around but I am worried. (85 pts.)
Cheers,
Jason