By the late 1960s, the potential to produce life-changing Pinot Noir had lured a handful of winemakers to the remote Willamette Valley. Emboldened by their early successes, vintners from California to the Côte d'Or took notice, and a wave of interest and investment ensued in the following years. One of the best sites, positioned on a southwest-facing slope of weathered volcanic soils, clustered amidst the most historic vineyards of the Eola-Amity Hills, is Zena Crown Vineyard. Since its third leaf, Zena Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir has been subject to multiple interpretations; it became a sought-after single-vineyard designate for top producers like Beaux Frères, Soter, and Penner-Ash. With the 2013 harvest, however, Zena Crown emerged as a true Oregon domaine. As Shane adapts to its rhythms and natural oscillations, he seeks to explore and manifest the singular voice of this special plot of land, in accordance with the remote and rugged beauty of the Eola-Amity Hills. The "Slope" portion of the Zena Crown vineyard shifts to face primarily south, encouraging perfect ripeness and maximum phenolic development.
The 2017 rendition of this wine earned 95 points from Wine Spectator, and it made the publication's "Top 100" list. Well, we're pleased to say that this 2018 has actually earned 1 point higher, receiving 96 points from Wine Spectator!
WINE SPECTATOR 96 POINTS - "A wine of presence and personality, with dynamic black raspberry and guava flavors that take on stony mineral and dusky spice accents as this gathers richness and tension toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2022 through 2032."
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "The 2019 Pinot Noir Slope is rich with kirsch, umami with dried porcini, lavender, and licorice, and on the palate, it is fleshy with blackberry, fresh leather, and iron-rich earth. Drink 2024-2034."
The 2017 rendition of this wine earned 95 points from Wine Spectator, and it made the publication's "Top 100" list. Well, we're pleased to say that this 2018 has actually earned 1 point higher, receiving 96 points from Wine Spectator!
WINE SPECTATOR 96 POINTS - "A wine of presence and personality, with dynamic black raspberry and guava flavors that take on stony mineral and dusky spice accents as this gathers richness and tension toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2022 through 2032."
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "The 2019 Pinot Noir Slope is rich with kirsch, umami with dried porcini, lavender, and licorice, and on the palate, it is fleshy with blackberry, fresh leather, and iron-rich earth. Drink 2024-2034."
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