By Seufert Winery
2011 Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir

Producer
Seufert Winery is a small producer in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Seufert showcases how Pinot Noir responds to terroir by producing small lots of single-vineyard wines. They work closely with family growers located around the northern Willamette Valley, focused on growing premium Pinot Noir. Once harvested, Seufert takes a light hand in the winery, allowing the unique character to shine through from each site.

Origin
Zenith Vineyard farms 87 acres in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, northwest of Salem, Oregon. Zenith Vineyard's soil structure comprises sedimentary soils from the Missoula floods 14,000 years ago, laid down on a bed of ancient seafloor hundreds of feet thick. The soils generally fall into the silty-clay category.

Vintage
2011 was a wet, cool year in Oregon. Across the Willamette Valley, vines woke up late, and this late start resulted in harvest dates later than typical for this region. These grapes were picked on October 27 at a Brix of 22 and pH of 3.4.

This Wine
These Pinot Noir Pommard grapes were carefully hand-sorted and fully destemmed. Each small fermentation tank received a different yeast to add layers of complexity. Each tank was gently punched down twice per day until pressing. It aged two years in 20% new French oak before bottling.

Tasting Notes
Expressive savory herbs, minerality, and dark fruit. Smooth, sultry fine-grain tannins and bright acidity.
[Information provided by Merchant 23]