Vineyards Our 09 Atticus Vineyard is a blend of 80% Atticus Vineyard Dijon 667 &777 and 20% Atticus Vineyard 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 but once again has confirmed that this site produces powerful yet elegant wines. The vineyard is located in the Yamhill Carlton AVA. Oak TreatmentThe wine was raised in 25% new French oak for 9 months and after racking and blending spent a further 2 months in the same barrels. Tasting NotesExotic spices fuse on the nose with juicy aromas of black cherries and black plums. The lively acidity cuts nicely through the luscious ripe fruit which is elegantly molded by smooth restrained tannins leading into a long spicy finish. A beautiful balance of power and elegance. 93 points WS. 120 Cases made. Reviews: 93 points, Wine Spectator Supple, silky, rich and layered with flavor, offering clove-scented blueberry, blackcurrant and plum, nicely reined to glide smoothly against refined tannins. Deft and classically proportioned. Drink now through 2019. --- H.S. 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.