This wine’s deep violet color is accentuated by a floral and fruit-driven bouquet, reminiscent of berries, rose petals, and cloves. Rich flavors of raspberry, blackberry and cherry liqueur mingle with balanced acidity and soft, luscious tannins. Jasmine, truffles, and a "kiss" of Mother Earth play on the mid-palate, while the finish leaves lingering notes of chocolate kisses and rose petal.
A portion of the proceeds from this wine will go to benefit Oregon’s Relief Nursery, a non-profit program proven to strengthen high-risk families and keep their vulnerable young children safe and healthy. Our goal is to donate $20,000 from the sales of this wine. Drink to your health, and theirs!
Ripe and full-bodied, this wine exudes both comfort and sophistication. Indulgent yet refined, starting with its bouquet, with aromas of plum, blackberry, anise, leather and vanilla. Followed by rich, spiced flavors, such as blackberry, black cherry, cocoa, orange peel, black pepper, currant, and earth. As always, the Shea drinks beautifully in its youth, but deserves time to mature in the bottle.
Vineyard Characteristics
Shea Vineyard is found in the hilly country outside of Newberg. This steeply contoured site sits atop sedimentary Willakenzie soil. A variety of clones are represented: Dijon clones 114, 667, 777; Pommard; and Wadenswil. Beginning with the benchmark 1994 vintage, Shea Vineyard has yielded some of Panther Creek's most remarkable wines.
The 2006 Winemaker’s Cuvee is a return to the classic, “cool-climate” style of Oregon Pinot noir. Bright ruby color, mediumbody and aromas reminiscent of fresh red fruit, dried cherries, and cranberries. The wine has a lush, velvety mouthfeel which carries a hint of vanilla balanced with spicy characteristics of nutmeg and allspice. Sturdy tannins and mouthwatering acidity give this wine backbone and a long, persistent finish.
This season provided good conditions for the growers. Fruit from our warmest and youngest sites came in during the end of September. Our growers did an exceptional job of delivering clean, healthy fruit yielding bright, fragrant wines.

Photography © Ron Kaplan Photography where indicated. All Rights Reserved.
Panther Creek Cellars - 455 NE Irvine Street - McMinnville, Oregon 97128
503.472.8080 (ph) - 503.472.5667 (fax)
info@panthercreekcellars.com