2000 “Thomas Jefferson” Prestige Cuvee
The noted authority on Champagne, Tom Stevenson, has pointed out that the key to producing a prestige Cuvee worthy of a high end producer is selection, selection, selection and a great winemaker! Applying these guidelines when we evaluated the different lots of base wines from the extraordinary 2000 Oregon harvest, single lots of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay stood out for their superior balance and structure. From these selections our talented winemaker from Champagne, Jean-Louis Denois, made a limited quantity of Prestige Cuvee. Slow, controlled oxidation during barrel fermentation adds complexity to this remarkable wine: Demonstrating to all that Oregon can and does produce world-class Pinot Noir based methode champenois.
BLEND: Pinot Noir 80%, Chardonnay 20%
PRESSING: This wine is made from the finest first pressing Cuvee juice
FERMENTATION: Each Cuvee lot is fermented in small, neutral oak barrels
AGING: After bottling, this Cuvee undergoes a minimum of 6 years on the yeast
DOSAGE: Light 3.5 gr/L
WINEMAKER’S NOTES: Rich, round and Pinot Noir dominated, this wine exhibits a lovely straw color. Abundant foam dissipates into a persistent crown. The steady stream of small, fine bubbles establish the elegance of this prestige Cuvee. Complex aromas with hints of herbs, caramel and toast give way to the most balanced Cuvee we have produced to date. A full palatal impression typical of the fruit and structure of Pinot Noir and the mid-palate expressions of fine Chardonnay. Absolutely delicious.
