This opens with mild reduction that doesn't completely hide the elegant and pure red pinot fruit and spice aromas though I would strongly suggest double decanting this for 20 minutes or so first. The velvety, round and very suave medium weight flavors possess excellent phenolic maturity as the supporting tannins are impeccably well-integrated on the intense, firm and driving finish. This doesn't have the finesse or mid-palate refinement of either of its Justice or Momtazi stable mates but there is even better depth and length. Note that this will need ample cellar time before it's completely ready for prime time.
The St. Innocent Winery was founded in May 1988 by Mark Vlossak, the current winemaker and president, along with eight investors. In 2006, St. Innocent purchased an interest in Zenith Vineyard (formerly O'Connor Vineyard) located in the Eola-Amity Hills, where the winery is located. This 133 acre site has a total of 81 acres planted with 13.5 acres devoted to pinot. This should allow for the production of around 1,800 cases of estate pinot beginning with the 2012 vintage. I have always admired Vlossak's work but it really seems as though he has upped his game to new levels of quality in the last few vintages. Like the 09's reviewed in issue 44, this group of '08s is seriously impressive and all of the wines are well worth your consideration.
