Silvert & Saibene Wines, LLP

About the Wine

 

This Basalt Block Pinot from Oregon comes from the parts of the vineyard that have the heaviest concentration of broken sub-marine basalts, resulting in low yielding vines that produce intense flavors and layers of complexity. The Pinot Noir for the Basalt Block consists predominantly of the Pommard selection, blended with clonal selections.  The taste of this Pinot is distinct from its brother, the Gesalt Pinot Noir, having more of a burgundy flavor on the pallet.

*For those, like me, who don’t know what “basalt” means, it is “a fine-grained basic igneous rock. It is composed chiefly of calcium-rich plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene; other minerals present may be olivine, magnetite, and apatite. Basalt is the commonest type of lava.”  Ah, lava, why didn't you just say that!

 

 

Vintage: 2010

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Wine Type: Red Wine

Origin: Oregon, USA

Appellation: Willamette Valley

Elaboration: The fruit for the 2009 vintage was picked in late October and allowed to cold soak for five days before fermentation began. After fermentation, the wine was aged in French Oak barrels, approximately 35% new. The wine went through malo-lactic fermentation in barrel and was aged for 9 months prior to bottling.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Tart blackberry and black raspberry are prominent.  The tannins are evident but ultra-fine, making for a handsome leaness of texture.  Great finish.

 

 

Prizes and Points

 

2010 - 93 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2009 - 92 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2008 - 91 Points, Wine Spectator