St. Innocent's 2006 Pinot noirs (93-94 points) are big winners in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 2006 Oregon Pinot noir article. The St. Innocent Shea, Momtazi, and Anden (94, 93, 92 pts), Black Cap (93 pts), Carter (93 pts), Eyrie Estate (92), Soter Beacon Hill (92 pts), and Matello Souris (92 pts) are our picks for the best of the report. Most of these wines will sell out in the next day or two. Order now.

Parker's Wine Advocate 94 Points
St. Innocent Shea Vineyard
Pinot noir 06
$41.95/$37.76

Wine Advocate 94 points: "The 2006 Pinot noir Shea Vineyard is a candidate for Shea of the vintage as well as my choice in this portfolio. It is the richest, most concentrated, and complex as well as the best balanced, nicely concealing enough structure to evolve for 4-5 years, about as much as one can expect from this vintage. It should be at its best from 2012 to 2021".

In keeping with the Shea Vineyard style, the St. Innocent Shea Vineyard Pinot noir 06 is velvety smooth with dense notes of earth, pipe tobacco and fresh ripe blackberries. Supple layers of boysenberry and wild cherry add to the melange of rich flavors. Mark Vlossak consistently produces one of our favorite Shea Vineyard bottlings.
- Avalon

Parker's Wine Advocate 93 Points
St. Innocent Momtazi Vineyard
Pinot noir 06
$38.95/$35.05

Wine Advocate 93 points: "The 2006 Pinot noir Momtazi Vineyard is sourced from a biodynamically farmed site in McMinnville. It possesses the darkest fruit among all of the St. Innocent Pinots. Blue and black fruits dominate the nose and flavors and the wine has impressive structure, concentration, and grip for the vintage. Give it 3-4 years of additional bottle age and drink it from 2010 to 2018."

Pouring the St. Innocent Momtazi Vineyard Pinot noir 06, an appealing aroma of blackberries and cherries arises from the glass. Scents of violets, toast, and fruit cobbler spice add charm. Tasting the wine, sweet fresh blackberry and black currant fruits are joined by hints of licorice and tar. Rounded and silky, structured tannins and a refreshing finish complete the wine.
- Avalon

Parker's Wine Advocate 93 Points
Black Cap
Pinot noir 06
$46.95/$42.26

Wine Advocate 93 points: "The 2006 Pinot noir Black Cap is a blend of all four Eyrie Estate vineyards. it is slightly darker in color, the fruit is shaded slightly more to the dark side of the spectrum, and the wine has greater concentration and density. Cherry and raspberry flavors emerge on the palate along with mineral and earth notes. There is enough structure for 1-2 years of further evolution and given the wine's balance, it may have a relatively long life line by the standards of the vintage."

Black Cap Pinot noir 06 unfolds over hours and days. Complex and captivating, it begins with pretty red fruit and earth nuances that, with air, open to a spicy display of lush cherry and raspberry. The aromas more than hint at what's to come in the satiny entry: yummy raspberries and cherries build, picking up currant and a sliver of huckleberry jam while maintaining balance from the vibrant acidity. Hints of sage, mint, and rose petal permeate the finish, and the tasty red fruit lingers. Very ageable, and highly recommended for the cellar.
- Avalon

Parker's Wine Advocate 93 Points
Carter Vineyard
Hillblock Pinot noir 06
$45.95/$41.36

Wine Advocate 93 points: "The 2006 Pinot noir Hillblock was made by Ken Wright from a vineyard planted in 1983. Wright also makes a Carter Vineyard designate under his own label which I found to be equally uplifting. The Hillblock was aged in 70% new French oak and bottled without fining or filtration. Cherry red in color, it has a superb perfume of pain grille, spice box, red and black cherry and black raspberry. This is followed by a layered, velvety-textured succulent wine with great depth, concentration and structure for this vintage. It will evolve for 2-3 years and offer prime drinking from 2010 to 2018."

Carter Vineyard Pinot noir 2006 is rich and forward. Lush flavors of black cherries are framed by a silky texture. Earth, spice, and fruit hang on through the finish. The Carter Hillblock will delight from day one. Ken Wright crafts this gem from 25 year old Pommard vines.
- Avalon

Parker's Wine Advocate 92 Points
Eyrie Vineyard
Estate Pinot noir 06
$34.95/$31.46

Wine Advocate 92 points: "The 2006 Pinot noir Estate was aged entirely in seasoned oak. It is light ruby-colored with a lovely bouqhet of cherry and wild strawberry. This leads to a velvety textured, elegant wine with savory red fruits, spice, excellent concentration and a fruit-filled finish. The wine's impeccable balance may allow for further development in the bottle but it can be enjoyed now. Achieving this level of elegance in a vintage like 2006 is a singular accomplishment."

Also received 92 points from Tanzer.

Parker's Wine Advocate 92+ Points
St. Innocent Anden Vineyard
Pinot noir 06
$41.95/$37.76

Wine Advocate 92 points: "The 2006 Pinot noir Anden Vineyard is a powerful wine with layered flavors, an impressive structure, gobs of blue and black fruits, and a very long, fruit-filled close. Give it 2-3 years and drink it from 2010 to 2018."

St. Innocent's Anden Vineyard Pinot noir 06 erupts from the glass with aromas of ripe, black-fruit jam, cream, and pie spice. Sweet, round blackberry, black currant and black cherry flavors are complemented by spicy oak and black pepper. A rich, creamy toast and lingering sweetness continue through the finish, with fine tannins providing structure. The winemaker suggests the 06 Anden will improve for 10-12 years. - Avalon

Parker's Wine Advocate 92 Points
Burghound 92 Points
Soter Beacon Hill Vineyard
Pinot noir 06
$53.95/$48.55

Wine Advocate 92 points: "The 2006 Pinot noir beacon Hill reveals a touch of eucalyptus in it attractive perfume. Darker, denser, and more structured than its North Valley sibling, this well-balanced, lenghty effort will evolve for 2-3 years and be at its best from 2011 to 2020."

Parker's Wine Advocate 92 Points
Matello
"Souris" Pinot noir 06
$38.95/$35.06

Wine Advocate 92 points: "The 2006 Pinot noiur Souris is a selection of the winery's best barrels. It continues the theme of elegance but amps up the power a bit. Medium to full-bodied, there are layers of ripe red fruits and enough structure for this outstanding effort to evolve for 2-3 years. It will be at its best from 2010 to 2018."

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