The second to last vintage made from both blocks of vines on the Seven Springs Vineyard (the owners re-designated the older block as Anden), this wine is wild. Dominated by briar fruits and baking spices with hints of cherry and white pepper on the nose. On the palate, the dark red and raspberry fruits dominate, but the spices carry through, too, lingering on the finish alond with the wines full tannins and lush mouthfeel. This is an ageworthy vintage that drinks well now, may slumber after its fifth birthday, developing rustic qualities and more developed fruit in the next eight to twelve years.

St. Innocent Winery is in Salem, Oregon. It was founded in 1988 by Mark Vlossak, who still owns and runs it. St. Innocent sources grapes from seven Willamette Valley vineyards, including their own estate vineyard. The estate is known for Pinot Noir and makes a number of cuvees. It also produces Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and a vintage sparkling wine. Wine Advocate has often rated St. Innocent’s wines in the mid to high-90s and notes that “Mark Vlossak continues to turn out some of Willamette Valley’s finest wines…”