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Cornerstone Oregon, Willamette Valley
Cornerstone Oregon is a collaboration between Cornerstone Napa’s Craig Camp and renowned Oregon winemaker Tony Rynders. Camp’s passion for pinot was born thirty years ago when he began importing the Burgundy selections of Rebecca Wasserman and made frequent trips to the Burgundy estates she was discovering. Tony Rynders, as winemaker for ten years at Oregon’s Domaine Serene winery, is one one of the most respected winemakers not only in the Northwest, but in the United States. His string of highly rated Oregon Pinot Noir is unmatched.
Cornerstone Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a synthesis of each of their perspectives. Camp is always pushing for edgy structure and acidity with Rynders leaning towards richness and depth. The symbiosis of these viewpoints creates a unique Pinot Noir that is defined by its perfect balance between structure and power, which exhibits one characteristic that is essential to both of them: terroir. The goal is always to make an exceptional Pinot Noir that clearly shows its Oregon roots.
Cornerstone Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is grown, produced and bottled in Oregon. We have just found a home there and will be sharing a winery with Tony just outside of Gaston, where he also will be making his own wine, Tendril.
2008 Cornerstone Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
75% Pommard clone, 25% 115 clone
50% Eola Hills AVA, 50% Yamhill Carlton AVA
15 months in 60 gallon French Oak barrels, 50% new, 50% 1 year old
50 cases produced
Tasting notes: Brilliant scarlet color, just translucent. Zesty fresh red and blue fruit aromatics and flavors blend with a touch of earthy terroir notes and barrel spiciness. Racy acidity with a firm structure that will age beautifully. Very balanced and already showing a very long finish.
2008 Vintage notes: Cool, wet spring with late bloom. Low to moderate crop load. A temperate summer and fall led to virtually ideal growing and ripening conditions. Without a doubt, one of the best years in the last ten.