Stermer Vineyard

http://www.lemelsonvineyards.com/Stermer-Vineyard.html

Acres: 103 total , 30 planted

Varieties: Pinot noir

Year Planted: 1996-1998

Soil Type: Willakenzie silty clay loam, 18-36 inch depth

Clones: Wadensvil, Pommard, 777, 115, 667

Elevation: 250-440 ft.

Aspect: NE to SW

AVA: Yamhill-Carlton

The land previously owned by George and Barbara Stermer, is now owned by Eric Lemelson (Lemelson Vineyards) and managed by Armando Martinez.  EIEIO & Company first started leasing a block of this vineyard in 2005.  This SE facing section, known as the East African block, due to the similarities in shape and configuration of the vineyard to the continent, is planted with Pinot Noir clone 777.  This was the introduction of clone 777 into the EIEIO portfolio; all previously leased vineyard sites were planted with Pommard clone.

The significance of the addition of Dijon 777 is that Dijon clones have smaller berries and smaller clusters giving them more intense flavors, aromas and structure; they also tend to ripen earlier, which can be important if late harvest rains are predicted.  Some consider 777 to be among the best clones of Pinot Noir.

The Vineyards