The 2008 Serpentine Reserve Pinot Noir is a selection of three barrels. The fruit came from the block in the vineyard where the big snake lives. The vines are Dijon 777 clones grafted on own-rooted Savignon Blanc vines. Grapes were picked later than usual, but the clusters came in small and perfectly ripe at about 23 brix. Because the nights were so chilly, and picking was done early in the morning, the fruit came in very cold. This resulted in a long natural cold soak prior to the onset of fermentation, further consentrating a must that was already rich in fruit. Primary fermentation was done in small, 1.5 ton fermenters without the introduction of commercial yeast strains. Punch downs were done twice daily and fermentations were problem free, lasting 14 to 21 days. Malolactic fermentation proceeded withoiut problem in oak barrels, one of which was new. Finished alcohol is 13.28%. PH 3.60. 72 cases were bottled in late August, 2009. 

 

2008 was another challenging vintage for Willamete Valley winegrowers. Bud break got off to a late start due to cold, wet spring weather. As a result, bloom was late and the fruit set small. As late as the end of September, the fruit was not yet ripe and the fall rains looked like they might set in at any time. Fortunately, the Valley was treated to an incredible Indian summer. Long, warm, sunny days followed by very cool nights created ideal conditions. Aggressive fruit thinning, in order to insure the chances of ripening what was left on the vines, was rewarded with a perfectly ripe crop; moderate in sugars, very concentrated and exceptionally well-ballanced. Within a week, everything was off the vine and into the winery by the 17th of October.