Firesteed - Pinot Gris

2008 |2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999

2008 PINOT GRIS

Firesteed Wines

In 2008, following a long spring and late-June flowering, the Pinot Gris clusters ripened slowly through the summer and by the beginning of fall had achieved an amazing level of complexity and concentration of flavor. Vineyards in both the Willamette Valley and warmer Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon were harvested October 1st - 28th.

By blending several vineyard sources and regions and avoiding heavy-handed winemaking techniques we hope to achieve a balanced wine focused on the abundant varietal fruit character of this classic grape.

The Firesteed 2008 Pinot Gris offers aromas of tropical fruit, citrus and green apple. Mouthwatering, its flavors of ripe white peach and Crenshaw melon are balanced by the wine's lively acidity. With each return to the glass, the flavors expand on the palate with increasing complexity and texture.

WINE ANALYSIS
TA 8.10 g/l
pH 3.10
Alcohol 12.4% Residual Sugar: .45%

2007 PINOT GRIS

Oregon’s 2007 growing season began with an early spring with very successful flowering and fruit-set. Summer temperatures were slightly cooler than usual followed by a few showers in September to settle the dust. By the beginning of October, nerves of steel and a positive attitude were required to chart a path to ripeness through uncertain weather forecasts. Patience was rewarded with exceptional wines that are pretty, elegant expressions of their place, Oregon.

By blending several vineyard sources and regions within the Willamette and Rogue Valleys, and avoiding heavy-handed winemaking techniques, we hope to achieve a balanced wine focused on the abundant varietal fruit character of this classic grape.

The Firesteed 2007 Pinot Gris is a generously aromatic combination of Northwest coastal breezes and definitive orange-blossom, rose water and ripe peaches. Accents of the perfect perfume of gardenias and sweet spices make this a glorious example of fine Oregon Pinot Gris. Richly textured and flavorful, the wine delivers weight on the palate that is nicely balanced by citrus notes and fresh acidity.

WINE ANALYSIS
TA 6.62 g/l
pH 3.41
Alcohol 12.4% Residual Sugar: .35%

2006 PINOT GRIS

Oregon's tremendous 2006 vintage began with beautiful weather at flowering, allowing grapevines to set a normal-sized crop for the first time in several years. The near-perfect conditions all through the growing season led to a smooth harvest in September and October.

By blending several vineyard sources and regions and avoiding heavy-handed winemaking techniques we hop to achieve a balanced wine focused on the abundant varietal fruit character of this classic grape.

The Firesteed 2006 Pinot Gris is a generously aromatic combination of floral and tropical fruit aromas. Richly textured and flavorful, the wine delivers surprising weight on the palate that is nicely balanced by fresh acidity.

WINE ANALYSIS
TA 5.01 g/l
pH 3.49
Alcohol 13.6% Residual Sugar: .75%

2005 PINOT GRIS

Cool and slightly damp weather in early June caused vineyards to set a small crop for the second consecutive vintage. The hot, dry summer ran out of steam early in September and high temperatures at the winery stayed in the 60's and 70's for a full month prior to harvest. Requiring neither sunscreen, nor umbrellas, crushing peaked mid-October. As the season began to wind down it became clear that the year 2005 would mark the return of the truly-Oregon vintage.

Fresh, lively and aromatic with flavors of tropical fruit and ripe pear. The bright acidity is softened by the wine's rich texture and fruity finish.

WINE ANALYSIS
TA 5.44 g/l
pH 3.13
Alcohol 12.5% Residual Sugar: .75%

2004 PINOT GRIS

The summer of 2004 was a hot one, with temperatures at the winery exceeding 90° F. nineteen times in July and August. Cool, but dry fall weather eased the growing season toward a spectacular mid-October finale.

By sourcing fruit from both the later-ripening Willamette Valley sites and the warm climate of the Rogue Valley, the final Pinot Gris blend combines delicate floral aromas with rich tropical fruit. The fresh acidity of the north balances the ripe, full texture of the south.

By blending several vineyard sources and regions and avoiding heavy-handed winemaking techniques, we hope to achieve a balanced wine focused on the abundant varietal fruit character of this classic grape.

Fresh, lively and aromatic with flavors of honeydew melon and ripe pear. The bright acidity is softened by the wine's rich texture and fruity finish.

WINE ANALYSIS
TA 5.11 g/l
pH 3.29
Alcohol 12.9% Residual Sugar: .75%

2003 PINOT GRIS

The 2003 growing season was warm and dry with very little rainfall through the end of the summer. Temperatures cooled a few degrees in the fall, but without significant precipitation. By sourcing fruit from cooler Willamette Valley sites and from the warmer climate of the Rogue Valley, the final Oregon Pinot Gris blend combines delicate floral aromas with rich tropical fruit. The fresh acidity of the north balances the ripe, full texture of the south.

Aromas of orange blossom, honeysuckle, pineapple and papaya. Poached pear and mandarin orange flavors linger on the broad palate. Refreshing finish with hints of spice and melon.

WINE ANALYSIS
TA 5.88g/l
pH 3.38
Alcohol 13.1% Residual Sugar: .75%

2002 PINOT GRIS

The 2002 vintage in Oregon was the fifth fine vintage in a row. A lovely summer gave us hope, and beautiful weather in September and October again gave us wonderful fruit.

In creating the 2002 Firesteed Pinot Gris, we hoped to achieve a balanced wine focused on the abundant varietal fruit character of this classic grape. By blending several vineyard sources from throughout Oregon and avoiding heavy-handed winemaking techniques, we were able to produce a wine that is rich, fruity and distinctive.

The 2002 Firesteed Pinot Gris offers aromas of perfectly ripe honeydew melon, almond extract, minerals, clove and wild honey. Full, lucious mouthfeel with a hint of ripe strawberries. Surprisingly complex.

WINE ANALYSIS
TA 5.70 g/l
pH 3.0
Alcohol 12.8% Residual Sugar: 0.42%

2001 PINOT GRIS

The 2001 vintage in Oregon was the fourth fine vintage in a row. A lovely summer gave us hope, and beautiful weather in September and October again gave us wonderful fruit.

In creating the 2001 Firesteed Pinot Gris, we hoped to achieve a balanced wine focused on the abundant varietal fruit character of this classic grape. By blending several vineyard sources and avoiding heavy-handed winemaking techniques, we were able to produce a wine that is rich, fruity and distinctive.

The 2001 Firesteed Pinot Gris offers aromas of citrus, honeysuckle, ripe melon and pear that continue to evolve in the glass. Each sip starts out light, fruity and refreshing, then develops richness as hints of toffee and almond lingers with spice on the finish.

WINE ANALYSIS
TA 7.54 g/l
pH 3.43
Alcohol 13.2% Residual Sugar: 0.42%

2000 PINOT GRIS

The 2000 vintage in Oregon was the third fine vintage in a row. A cool summer gave us fear, yet beautiful weather in September and October again gave us wonderful fruit.

In creating the 2000 Firesteed Pinot Gris, we hoped to achieve a balanced wine focused on the abundant varietal fruit character of this classic grape. By blending several vineyard sources and avoiding heavy-handed winemaking techniques, we were able to produce a wine that is rich, fruity and distinctive.

In producing this wine, we made every effort to preserve and enhance its natural fresh fruit character. Fermentation took place in very cool (under 55ºF) temperature-controlled tanks for two weeks. Rather than aged in oak, the wine was aged on yeast in the tank. Bentonite was used to further ensure a bright, clean wine.

The 2000 Firesteed Pinot Gris offers aromas of citrus, honeysuckle, melon and pear that continue to evolve in the glass. Each sip starts out light, fruity and refreshing, then develops richness as hit of toffee lingers with spice on the finish.

WINE ANALYSIS
TA 6.61 g/l
pH 3.20
Alcohol 13.0% Residual Sugar: 0.45%

1999 PINOT GRIS

The 1999 vintage in Oregon ended up as one of the state's finest. A cool summers gave us fear, yet beautiful weather in September and October gave us wonderful fruit. This is our first white wine.

In creating the 1999 Firesteed Pinot Gris, we hoped to achieve a balanced wine focused on the abundant varietal fruit character of this classic grape. By blending several vineyard sources and avoiding heavy-handed winemaking techniques, we were able to produce a wine that is rich, fruity and distinctive.

In producing this wine, we made every effort to preserve and enhance its natural fresh fruit character. Fermentation took place in very cool (under 55ºF) temperature-controlled tanks for two weeks. Rather than aged in oak, the wine was aged on years in the tank. Bentonite was used to further ensure a bright, clean wine.

The 1999 Firesteed Pinot Gris offers aromas of citrus, honeysuckle, melon and pear that continue to evolve in the glass. Each sip starts out light, fruity and refreshing, then develops richness as hit of toffee lingers with spice on the finish.

WINE ANALYSIS
TA 5.8 g/l
pH 3.51
Alcohol 12.9% Residual Sugar: 0.65%