Quick Sip: 2006 Soléna Domaine Danielle Laurent Pinot Noir - the vineyard that began it all

Soléna Pinot Noir Domaine Danielle Laurent Vineyard (2006)
Soléna Estate
Pinot Noir
Yamhill-Carlton AVA, OR

The last Pinot Noir tasted at Soléna Estate's Grand Cru tasting room. The grapes are sourced from a special vineyard.

Appearance: Pale-Medium intensity, garnet to nearly clear rim.

Nose: Clean, medium intensity, soft red fruit characteristics combined with subtle earth tones and mushroom, soft spice - cayenne pepper.

Palate: Dry, medium acidity, soft tannin, medium body, medium fruit, warmer alcohol, medium finish, cherry and cranberry

When the owners of Soléna, Danielle and Laurent, were married they purchased an 80-acre vineyard together as a wedding gift. Rather than register for conventional gifts, they instead requested that their friends and family purchase them grape vines, which were planted here. And honestly, who needs another fondue pot or platter? Referred to as the "wedding vineyard" wine in the tasting room, the DDL is in it's third vintage. The fruit is a bit softer on this wine, and balanced well with the earthiness. I think because of the lighter flavors the alcohol is a little more noticeable, though like two of the other Pinot Noirs tasted it's above 14%. This is the last Pinot Noir that Soléna is pouring, and starting tomorrow we'll take a look at their warm weather varietals.

Cheers!