2023 Bishop Creek Pinot Noir, Nicolas-Jay,Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon
New release
Bishop Creek Vineyard is on a south-facing slope in the northern reaches of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. The vineyard was first planted in 1988 to ungrafted rootstock with three Pinot Noir clones (Pommard, Wädenswil, 777). Dramatic elevation changes, rugged conditions and a low water table have pushed the root systems to grow deep into the porous and nutrient poor marine sedimentary soils.
Serious nose. Mealy and gamey, but with a streak of deep-cave minerality running along its core. The palate has an almost elevated feel to it, as if the fruit is floating, rather than sitting, in your mouth. Extremely elegant, but thoughtful, enticing, questioning, an alluring and quietly dramatic wine.