The Basalt block comes from the parts of the vineyard that have the heaviest concentration of broken basalt, resulting in low yielding vines that produce intense flavors and layers of complexity. The 2008 vintage in the Willamette Valley was a cool, mild Oregon vintage resulting in rich flavors of raspberries, blueberries and dark chocolates with a hint of allspice.  The soft tannins are perfectly balanced with the acidity and the wine displays a long lingering finish of plums and sweet spice. 

The Pinot Noir for the Basalt Block consists predominantly of the Pommard selection, blended with clones 777 and 115, planted on Riparia Gloire and 101-14 rootstocks.  The fruit for the 2008 vintage was picked in late October and allowed to cold soak for five days before fermentation began.  After fermentation, the wine was aged in French Oak barrels, approximately 35% new.  The wine went through malo-lactic fermentation in barrel and was aged for 9 months prior to bottling in August 2009.