USA, Willamette Valley
Pinot Noir
Alcohol
14.2%
Analytical data
dry
Vineyard
55% Lone Star Vineyard (Eola Amity Hills AVA), 40% Knudsen Vineyard (Dundee Hills AVA), 5% Spirit Hill Vineyard (Eola Amity Hills AVA)
Soil Type
The 2017 growing season began with a relatively cool and wet spring in comparison to 2014-2016, leading to more normal timing of bud break at the end of April. May was fairly cool with a few blips of heat which lead to a moderately later bloom in mid to late June, depending on elevation. Both cluster size and quantity was larger than 2016 so heavy crop-thinning was in order to produce balanced wines. August was very warm but turned cool in September, which allowed the fruit to hang and gain aromatic complexity. Harvest started with Chardonnay at Lone Star Vineyard (volcanic) in the Eola-Amity Hills on September 8th and finished with Pinot Noir in the upper elevations of the Eola-Amity Hills at Spirit Hill Vineyard on October 14th.
Viticulture
Both based in volcanic red soils, the Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity Hills are home to our Reserve Pinot Noir, providing spicy elegance and silky texture. Dark cherry, pomegranate, violet, and an underlying minerality weave with delicate, polished tannin and dynamic energy. Cold soaking and fermenting entirely in small, 1.5-ton fermenters enhances silkiness, while 15% whole cluster inclusion contributes freshness, layered complexity, and vibrant length.
