2003 Pinot noir | Coeur De Terre
In the Vineyard
Coeur De Terre Vineyard is tucked into the hills known as Eagle Point, just west of McMinnville. The well-drained Willakenzie soil is planted with a blend of clones, ranging from 115 to 667.
The name Coeur De Terre, or "Heart of the Earth," is an appropriate name for the magical place Lisa and Scott have poured their hearts and souls into. The name comes from the very large immobile boulder the Neals unearthed while digging an irrigation pond. What at first was a headache became a namesake — the boulder is shaped like an abstract heart, and is now propped up beside their pond, destined to become one of the best places to kiss in Oregon Wine Country!
We dedicate this shipment to Abby Neal, now 2 years old, who steals all our hearts.
At the Winery
Grapes from CDT were fermented using a diverse selection of yeasts and cooperage. For the designate, we selected the best barrel of wine from this vineyard that exhibited the most intense taste of place. Remaining barrels were used to add a lovely roundness to the heart of our Reserve '03 and the St. Bartholomew blends.
At the Table
A brilliant ruby plum color, this wine is saturated with cherry aromas and an added complexity of mint. Broad and soft on the palate with only modest grip of tannins, the Coeur De Terre shows a blackberry lead followed by cassis melting to a finish of baker's chocolate, characteristic of the McMinnville AVA. A pure cherry twist on the finish makes for a luscious wine, remarkably round and mature for it's young age. We can't wait to see what happens after a few years in the bottle! Hang on to this one if you are the cellaring type, or enjoy it with a very special meal of rich smoked meats or Scott Neal's favorite, roast lamb with onion and potato tartin.
