Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir

High toned fruit, perfect tension. Still drinks particularly young. Crunchy red cherries, cranberry, forest herb, and florals. Nice drink for mid afternoon.

2011 Liz Chambers 'Shea' #PinotNoir #Oregonwine #sommelier #sommlife. In a year shunned by many, great winemakers made great wine. This Shea is really strutting right now. Notes of violet, pomegranate, tart cherry intermingle with a romp through a fall forest with a whiff of vanilla spice hanging in the air. Soft and elegant; very long finish.

One of the best domestic pinot I have had in ages - despite being at a pinot tasting 6 weeks ago this wine stands out - no bubblegum notes here - stems and dried strawberries with an earthy undertone

Nearly transparent. A lovely, typical example of Oregon Pinot that's especially enjoyable at the $20 price from Garagiste.

Wasn't sure about this one when I opened it. Begets a conversation about reduction and what is a flaw and what is an attractive component of a wine. And, who is the gate keeper that makes that friggin decision? Some would call this flawed. It's pretty; spicy, nutty, fruity and complex. It changes in the glass.The barrel sticks out a bit, but it won't in a few years. This is a really pretty wine.

2017

This was a bit disappointing. Lacking the brightness you really want, this wine was bogged down by dark, heavier, almost “off” notes like cellar, wet wood. Lacking complexity, watery, etc.

Port-like color, sinewy nose, spiced palate

The archetypal '11 Willamette from probably its most distinct vineyard. The funky barnyard nose has mellowed nicely into prominent savory notes with some ripe dark berries and spice, smooth but assertive tanin.

Delicious.