2002 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, Oregon. The well-drained Willakenzie soil is planted with a blend of clones, ranging from 115 to 667. Fruit from this vintage was harvested at 24.5 Brix, with a pH of 3.4.
The name Coeur De Terre, or "Heart of the Earth," is such an appropriate name for the magical place Lisa and Scott Neal have poured their hearts and souls into. The name comes from the very large immobile boulder they 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 new best places to kiss in Oregon Wine Country! We dedicate this bottling to the Neal's latest blessing, Abigail Parker Neal, who joined the party at Coeur De Terre during this vintage, and is destined to become the life of all future parties.
At the Winery
Grapes from Coeur De Terre 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 intensity to our Yamhill County Cuvèe 2002.
At the Table
In deep-hued violet tones, this wine shows off the purple-blue of the McMinnville growing area. Intense nose of Baker's chocolate and framboise, also classic of the area, make this luscious wine remarkably round and mature for its 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 and onion and potato tartin.
