Vineyards Our 09 Atticus Select is a blend of 40% Atticus Vineyard Pommard; 30% Atticus Dijon 667 & 777 and 30% Bishop Creek Field Blend (Dijon 777; Wadenswil & Pommard). Atticus Vineyard The vineyard which adheres to sustainable farming practices contains Willakenzie soils and sits at an elevation of 300 feet with a south / south west facing slope. Planted with Pommard (80%) and Dijon 667 & 777 clones (20%) in 2005, the 2009 vintage is only the second from this vineyard. It is located in the Yamhill Carlton AVA. Bishop Creek Vineyard This LIVE certified vineyard owned by Reuel Fish, was planted in 1998 at an elevation ranging from 400 to 500 ft, on predominantly Willakenzie soils. The vines are own-rooted and mostly organically farmed. It is located in the Yamhill Carlton AVA. Oak Treatment The wine was raised in 30% new French oak for 9 months and after racking and blending spent a further 2 months in the same barrels. Tasting Notes As a vintage driven blend, most of the barrels we chose to showcase the 09 vintage came from our own vineyard. The earthiness on the nose is balanced elegantly with dark fruits, ripe blackcurrant, and exotic spices and is subtly laced with cherry cola and brown sugar. The luscious fruit on the palate is balanced nicely with bright acidity and firm tannins. Very smooth and tasty finish. 150 cases were made Winemaking Winemaking at Atticus is collaboration between the very experienced and talented Scott Shull of Raptor Ridge and our own Ximena. Scott has numerous outstanding vintages under his belt and he believes that by having a close hand in vineyard management, yielding to the will of the grapes and using some intuition, a true expression of Oregon Pinot Noir can be created. Since her first vintage as harvest intern in 2007, Ximena studied the science of winemaking at a local college and has gained an evolving level of hands-on experience in the winery over the years. These days, while we still rely on Scott’s good council and expertise, Ximena leads many of the key decisions in the winemaking process.