I would admit that it is sometimes difficult to find consistent value in Oregon Pinot Noir. St. Innocent is a winery that each year offers serious bang for your buck. Founded by superstar winemaker Mark Vlossak, formerly of Panther Creek, started St. Innocent in 1988, focusing on single vineyard Pinot Noir. Last year’s releases were stunning and this years, coming from another warm vintage in Oregon, have also impressed. The St. Innocent white wines also offer some amazing value. One of the best Pinot Gris wines that I have sampled in the past year, the 2015 St. Innocent ‘Vitae Springs Vineyard’ Pinot Gris (WWB, 93) offers incredible range and minerality. This is not one to miss and is an amazing wine for the price.The Pinot Noir lineup was just as good, none more so than the 2015 St. Innocent ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) which is one of the best Oregon Pinot Noirs I have sampled in the past six months. Learn more about the amazing lineup of St. Innocent wines at https://stinnocentwine.com Here are the great new releases by St. Innocent.
2016 St. Innocent ‘Oeil de Perdrix’ Rose- Sourced from the esteemed Zenith Vineyard, this pale colored Rose begins with aromas of rose petals and red cherry candy. A touch of sweetness connects with red fruit flavors and a nice minerality. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2015 St. Innocent ‘Vitae Springs Vineyard’ Pinot Gris- This gorgeous Pinot Gris wine shows off lovely melon and lemon rind aromatics. The mouthfeel and texture is downright stunning as this wine reveals white peach, honeydew melon, with a touch of green apple and nutmeg. The long, cream driven finish lingers. This is just a stunning wine made by superstar winemaker Mark Vlossak. Drink 2018-2024- 93
2015 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc- This wine starts off with aromatics of lemon blossom, nectarine and suggestions of Gravenstein apple. This shows a lovely astringency as the wine reveals white flower, Pink Lady apple and green papaya flavors that connect with some decent tension. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2015 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This warm vintage wine opens with a bright bouquet of nutmeg, Pink Lady apple and poached pear with a touch of heavy whipping cream. The mouthfeel and richness of the wine shines through. Roasted pineapple, banana and lemon creme brûlée flavors impress. This has great balance and weight. Drink 2018-2024- 92
2016 St. Innocent ‘Villages Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- Citrus blossom and red currant aromatics hit you immediately. The mouthfeel is soft and supple, as the red fruits dominate the palate alongside some lighter citrus tones. This is an outstanding effort as an entry level Oregon Pinot. Drink 2018-2025- 91
2015 St. Innocent ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the esteemed Shea Vineyard, this wine shows off a beautiful combination of red and black fruits on the nose with a touch of spicebox. Elegant and seductive, this knockout wine shows off black plum, black truffle, black cherry liquor and a touch of forest floor flavors. The range and intensity of this wine is top shelf. Drink 2018-2028- 94
2015 St. Innocent ‘Momtazi Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Momtazi Vineyard is biodynamically farmed and is located in the McMinnville AVA, 7 miles west of the McMinnville, Oregon. Planted in 1999 and 2004 on thin, poor soils, the vines have a south and SW exposure at an elevation of 680' - 760'. Needing an hour in the decanter to unwind, this slowly begins to release red cherry, pomegranate seed and orange rind aromatics. The mouthfeel and texture to this wine is gorgeous. Delicate flavors of red currant, red cherry, peat moss and cranberry persist to the long, cream and red fruit driven finish. Drink 2018-2028- 93
2015 St. Innocent ‘Zenith Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This St. Innocent estate vineyard is located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA and is set on old sedimentary soils. The hedonistic nose ranges between red and dark fruits with a touch of earthy tones. There is a wonderful freshness to this great wine. Cran-pomegranate, red currant, cigar ash and forest floor flavors connect with the tension. This is another outstanding effort by St. Innocent. Drink 2018-2028- 93
2015 St. Innocent ‘Justice Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Located in an east-facing ridge in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, this wine starts off with aromatics reminiscent of black truffle crudo, loganberry liquor and suggestions of bing cherry. The palate has wonderful tension as the wine reveals orange rind, red cherry candy and suggestions of pomegranate seed flavors. Drink 2018-2028- 92
2015 St. Innocent ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This translucent colored Pinot Noir opens with a bouquet of cran-cherry, pomegranate seed and baking spices. There is a nice combination of astringency and red fruit flavors on the mid-palate. This finishes long with red fruits. Drink 2018-2028- 92