2002 Sine Qua Non Pinot Noir “hollerin’ M”. Shea Vineyard, Willamette Valley, Oregon. 15.4% alcohol. $72.
Blood red colored wine with thick legs showing trace amounts of pigmentation. A strong, complex nose of toasty oak, some chocolate, cocoa powder, blood, plum, sandalwood, and cherry with a bit of violet and leather – quixotically it reminds me of a very ripe vintage Vosne Romanée. Low acid and tannins combine to make a very plush and velvety mouthful of wine. Some heat intrudes on the finish. A bit of time in the bottle has really tamed what was a very big perhaps too big Pinot Noir at release. Now the wine retains its sizable girth but it has come in to balance. I continue to mourn the fact that the Krankls have stopped making a Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir. Their 2003 “Omega” will be their last. Drink now (2007) to 2010. 92+ points.